July 2, 2025
A new Florida law, effective July 1, 2025, provides critical housing support for potentially thousands of kids in our state as they age out of state care. The law prioritizes individuals from foster care and those experiencing homelessness for campus housing and work-study opportunities. It also makes Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers available across the state and informs youth they’re eligible for FYI vouchers. Additionally, the new law makes it easier for those who have aged out of foster care to get into residential leases and requires a study to recommend further steps to overcome their barriers to obtaining housing.
Senate Bill 584/House Bill 879, also known as “Young Adult Housing Support,” was signed by Governor DeSantis on June 27, 2025, after passing unanimously in both chambers of the Florida Legislature. This important legislation is the result of the dedicated advocacy of Florida Youth SHINE, a statewide advocacy organization led by and for youth who are or were in Florida’s child welfare system, supported by Florida’s Children First. The bill sponsors included Senator Ileana Garcia, Representative Marie Paule Woodson, and Representative Alex Rizo.
“We are immensely proud of all Florida Youth SHINE members who worked so hard to bring this important legislation to life by sharing their experiences in care with legislators so they could understand how vital this change will be for future generations of youth,” said Geori Seldine, Executive Director of Florida’s Children First.
“We extend our deepest thanks to bill sponsors Sen. Garcia, Rep. Woodson, and Rep. Rizo for prioritizing this amazing bill that addresses homelessness among youth from foster care and those most at-risk of experiencing homelessness,” said Sophia Coffey, Florida Youth SHINE Statewide Chair.
“The voices of the fearless Florida Youth SHINE members who traveled to Tallahassee to share their struggles to find safe, affordable housing as they age out of care were heard,” said Howard Talenfeld, Board President of Florida’s Children First. “We are incredibly grateful for the legislators who took time to meet with Florida Youth SHINE members to learn more about the challenges these young people face juggling work, school, and housing needs.”
Since January 2025, more than three dozen Florida Youth SHINE members have traveled to Tallahassee to meet with more than 80 legislators, sharing personal stories of how existing programs that could benefit them have not been utilized, and how the lack of access to affordable housing with supportive services creates barriers to achieving independence for young people who are homeless or formerly in foster care.
Here are some of the experiences shared by members of Florida Youth SHINE:
“I was accepted to Florida State University and made plans to move to Tallahassee from Hillsborough County. What I didn’t know was that the FYI housing voucher wouldn’t transfer from Hillsborough County, as only 11 counties of 67 in Florida issued the vouchers. I decided to transfer to FSU anyway, because it was my dream school that I worked hard to get into it. But I struggled to find affordable, stable housing while trying to adjust to college life and focus on my academics. Young people aging out of foster care should never have to choose between pursuing a college education and having a safe place to live. I have seen how helpful the FYI Voucher has been for my peers, providing important support while we are trying to create a better future after foster care. The housing voucher gives us stability so we can focus on school and reach our goals. Expanding these programs will help many young adults succeed, no matter where they go to school.”
- Qua’viona Peeples, Florida Youth SHINE member, Education & Employment Committee, Thursday, 4/17/2025
“I have struggled with housing my entire life since childhood…moving from couch to couch, shelter to shelter, living on the streets, sleeping behind abandoned houses and the back of restaurants. I missed school for months at a time, getting behind in classes. Eventually, I came into foster care and gained stable housing. Having stable housing contributed to helping me get to college and work on my career. Unfortunately, I was too old to qualify when I learned about the FYI voucher. However, I’m here in support of HB879 because I know how important this bill is for other youth, and I believe in planting trees that I will never live under the shade of – and bills to make sure those trees will be planted.”
- Sean Ford, Florida Youth SHINE member, House Education & Employment Committee, 4/17/2025
About Florida’s Children First
Florida’s Children First is an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth in foster care. It focuses on making big systemic changes that improve the system for thousands of youth in care today, and in the future. FCF helped young people create Florida Youth SHINE to provide foster youth the support they need to reach their full potential as advocates for their own needs.
About Florida Youth SHINE (FYS)
Florida Youth SHINE is a youth-led, peer-driven organization that empowers current and former youth in foster care to become leaders and advocates within their communities. FYS is working hard to change the culture of Florida’s child welfare system and is supported by Florida’s Children First (FCF), a non-profit child advocacy organization dedicated to fighting for the rights of Florida’s at-risk children.
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