This year, the Haitian Real Estate Professionals Association proudly joined thousands of real estate professionals at the State Capitol for Great American Realtor Days (GARD)—one of the most influential advocacy events in Florida’s real estate industry.

GARD gives Realtors from across the state the opportunity to meet directly with lawmakers before they vote on policies affecting the real estate market, homeownership opportunities, insurance costs, and the ways real estate professionals do business. For HREPA, this was more than a trip to Tallahassee—it was a moment to ensure the voices of Haitian real estate professionals and the communities we serve are heard at the highest levels.

During our visit, HREPA members participated in legislative briefings, attended meetings with elected officials, and stood alongside colleagues from across Florida to discuss the real issues impacting our industry and our clients. From skyrocketing insurance premiums to barriers facing first-time homebuyers, our delegation made sure lawmakers understood how these decisions affect Haitian families and professionals across the state.

We also engaged in conversations around property insurance reform, commercial lease taxes, water quality impacts, and association fee caps—key issues that shape affordability and economic mobility for communities. GARD has a strong history of driving meaningful change, including supporting legislation that:

• Helps Floridians purchase their first home
• Reduces the state sales tax on commercial leases
• Improves water quality across Florida
• Strengthens the property insurance market
• Expands resources for closing open or expired permits

By showing up, we ensured that our voice—the REALTOR® voice—was part of the conversation.

HREPA is committed to advocating for policies that protect homeownership, expand real estate opportunities, and strengthen economic mobility within the Haitian community. Our first GARD trip is just the beginning of our growing involvement in statewide advocacy.

We thank Florida Realtors for making this event possible and supporting transportation for delegations across the state. We also thank our members who traveled to Tallahassee and represented HREPA with excellence and professionalism.

This was an eye-opening, empowering experience and we look forward to returning next year with an even larger delegation.