National Advocacy
Since the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) hired its first lobbyist in 1973, America’s largest trade association has been working together to advance public policies and candidates that build strong communities, protect property interests and promote a vibrant business environment. In 2010-2011, NAR ramped up its efforts at the state and local levels by launching the REALTOR® Party Initiative. This included grants and tools to help state and local REALTOR® Associations run candidate and issue campaigns, and implement smart growth, housing opportunity and diversity programs, and much more.
As the only advocacy group in America that fights exclusively for homeownership, real estate investment, strong communities and the free enterprise system, the REALTOR® Party is not focused on the right, left or even the middle of the aisle; it is focused on the issues that matter to existing and future homeowners and the real estate industry.
Supporting candidates and campaigns and engaging in community outreach, the REALTOR® Party leverages the association’s best asset—its grassroots network of 1.4 million REALTORS® across the U.S. and its territories—to work hard on behalf of America’s 75 million homeowners and those who aspire to one day own property of their own.
In recent years, our local level activities have increased; REALTORS® have gained political clout through legislative victories in every corner of the country; and state and local REALTOR® Associations have expanded their community and political presence…all because of the actions of the REALTOR® Party.
State Advocacy
Homeownership Triumphs During 2022 Legislative Session
A look at how Florida Realtors helped shape legislation to benefit the state’s real estate industry during the 2022 Legislative Session.
Support of Florida homeownership programs was on full display during the 2022 Legislative Session, thanks largely to the impassioned advocacy efforts of Realtors® throughout the state. As a result, homeownership and other related housing programs will receive $362 million this coming fiscal year, including $100 million for a new revolving loan program aimed at hometown heroes heavily advocated by Florida Realtors®.
Hometown heroes will also be able to save hundreds of dollars each year by taking advantage of an additional homestead tax exemption if voters approve the measure during the 2022 general election.
These homeownership-related wins are in addition to numerous other laws passed by lawmakers that impact Realtors and their businesses during the annual 60-day session. Bills passed head to the governor for final approval.
