POC: Debbie Ashbrook, CEO, (850) 763-8078

PANAMA CITY – Fair housing is more than a list of dos and don’ts, rights and penalties, and mandatory continuing education. The livelihood of REALTORS® depend upon making the American Dream of homeownership accessible to as many people as possible. Broad access to homeownership requires an open housing market free from discrimination. Discrimination distorts the marketplace and prevents qualified buyers from accessing housing opportunities. When strong, fair housing laws and practices are in place, homeowners, communities, REALTORS® and our economy can thrive.

This year, we celebrate the 54th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, that made discrimination in housing transactions unlawful. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status. The Act is intended to provide for fair housing throughout the country.

CPAR is proud to share that two local municipalities have adopted the promoted Fair Housing Proclamation: Springfield and Lynn Haven. Additionally, the Proclamation was provided to 17 cities, spanning throughout the following five counties: Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Washington and Bay.

The City of Lynn Haven adopted the proclamation during their April 12^th Commission Meeting. The City of Springfield adopted the proclamation on April 7^th.

 You can report Fair Housing Act Violations at www.hud.gov.

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About Central Panhandle Association of Realtors®, CPAR

Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS® is a member-based organization with 2,100 Realtors and 250 Power Partners covering Bay, Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. We are supporters of our community and contributed over $93,000 to local charity organizations in 2021. Our REALTORS® maintain a standard of excellence and uphold the Code of Ethics adopted by the National Association of Realtors®. We are advocates for private property and homeownership. We are the Multiple Listing Service that makes the market work by providing the marketplace with accurate listing and market data. We are the original source for every REALTOR® and every listing in our service area. We are the voice for real estate in Northwest Florida. For more information, visit our website at www.PanhandleMLS.com