AARP Florida’s Commitment to Affordable Housing in Tampa Bay

The sharp rise in home prices and rentals has made housing increasingly unaffordable across Florida, especially in Tampa Bay. According to The City of Tampa’s 2025 Housing Assessment, home values have increased by 58%, while rents have surged nearly 50% since 2020. This affordability crisis has created a gap of more than 26,000 affordable and available units for households earning less than 50% of the area median income.

AARP Florida is committed to helping The City of Tampa advance its goal of developing affordable housing options that meet the needs of a growing and aging population. In 2021, The City of Tampa became part of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States & Communities, committing to policies that support residents of all ages. Additionally, the Tampa Bay area has received five AARP Community Challenge grants over the past four years, enhancing accessibility and livability in the city and its neighborhoods. Still, significant challenges remain.

One promising solution is the expansion of Missing Middle Housing, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which can help fill the affordability gap, especially within The City of Tampa.

• Missing Middle Housing types (also referred to as Middle Housing) provide the size and affordability options that people of all ages — including older adults — very much need but often can’t find. 
  
• The housing type can enable family members to care for their loved ones in close proximity while still having their own space or residence. 
  
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) offer a market-based way to expand affordable housing without requiring taxpayer subsidies.  

ADUs provide flexible housing choices for people at different life stages and income levels, from retirees and empty-nesters to first-time homebuyers and families caring for aging parents.

AARP Florida urges Tampa Bay lawmakers to consider policies that make it easier to permit and build Missing Middle Housing, including ADUs, as part of the region’s broader affordable housing strategy.

For more information on Missing Middle Housing and ADUs, please visit the following resources:

• Addressing Housing Affordability in Florida: The Role of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) 
  
• Free Publication: Discovering and Developing Missing Middle Housing 
  
• All About Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)