Does AHAC provide housing assistance to individuals?
No. AHAC does not manage or oversee housing programs for individuals or families. Its role is to review regulations and recommend policy changes that affect how affordable housing is developed.
Is AHAC the same as the Housing Authority?
No. A Housing Authority is an independent agency that may own and manage affordable rental housing. AHAC is not a Housing Authority—it is an advisory committee formed under state law to review regulatory incentives for affordable housing and make recommendations to local governing bodies.
Does AHAC govern or manage affordable housing units in Flagler County?
No. Flagler County does not own or operate housing units. AHAC’s focus is on reviewing policies, ordinances, and development regulations—not managing properties or programs.
What does AHAC review?
In accordance with Florida Statute 420.9076, the committee must review 11 regulatory incentives that influence housing supply and affordability. These cover local policies, ordinances, and development procedures that affect how affordable housing can be created and preserved.
Who does AHAC make recommendations to?
AHAC provides recommendations to the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners and the Palm Coast City Council. Its annual report is presented to both governing bodies each November.
How are members appointed?
Appointments alternate between the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners and the Palm Coast City Council.
What are the residency requirements for members?
• Palm Coast appointees must reside within Palm Coast city limits.
• Flagler County appointees may reside anywhere within Flagler County.
• Members representing either jurisdiction must live within Palm Coast or unincorporated Flagler County.
Are there requirements beyond residency?
Yes. Members must also meet the professional or community representation categories listed in Florida Statute 420.9076. This ensures a mix of perspectives on housing issues.
How often does AHAC meet?
The committee meets monthly to review incentives, policies, and regulations and to prepare its annual report.
Does the Committee review or recommend programs or projects?
No. The committee reviews regulatory incentives, such as whether the local government allows flexibility in requirements for land size, minimum home size, minimum number of units per acre for affordably priced housing.
What does "Affordable Housing" mean to this Committee?
Affordable Housing, as defined by the committee, means housing where monthly costs are less than 30% of a household’s income. The focus is on households at or below the middle of Flagler County’s income range. Affordable housing can include single-family homes, mobile homes, multi-family rentals, or small accessory units. The goal is to increase housing supply through planning, zoning, and building policies that fit the community—reducing reliance on subsidies and ensuring homes are attainable for people who live and work locally.
Can I attend AHAC meetings?
Yes. All AHAC meetings are open to the public, and residents are welcome to observe and learn more about housing policy discussions.
Why does AHAC focus so much on the City of Palm Coast and not as much on Flagler Beach or Bunnell?
Under Florida’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, local governments that receive SHIP funds are required to convene an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) to review their local regulatory environment and recommend non-funding regulatory incentives to encourage affordable housing. Flagler County and the City of Palm Coast both participate in SHIP. Through an interlocal agreement between them, the County administers the program for both jurisdictions, so AHAC meetings are hosted at County facilities and the committee reports to both governing bodies.
Much of AHAC’s policy review focuses on Palm Coast because it contains most of the County’s housing development activity that is subject to local land development regulations. The County’s own land use authority applies only to unincorporated Flagler County, which is smaller in population and more limited in infrastructure.
There is no statutory authority for AHAC to conduct this same regulatory review for other municipalities, such as Flagler Beach or Bunnell. Those cities retain independent planning authority and are not part of the SHIP interlocal agreement with the County.
How can I join the committee?
The City of Palm Coast and Flagler County advertise vacancies as they arise. Interested citizens may attend public AHAC meetings, review committee information, and submit an application during an open recruitment period. To learn if there is a current vacancy and where to apply, contact HousingServices@flaglercounty.gov.