<p>TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Sen. Kendrick Meek (D-Miami) and state Rep. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall (D-Miami) introduced the "Florida Home Loan Protection Act," a measure they described as "the first step in saying to Florida and the banking industry that we will not allow the boundless abuse of those who are unable to protect themselves." Speaking at a press conference, Meek said, "Abusive mortgage lending has become an increasing problem in Florida. Abusive lending threatens the viability of communities and causes decreases in home ownership. It is my hope that the `Florida Home Loan Protection Act' will protect Floridians from these predatory lending practices." Also attending the press conference were representatives from AARP and the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). Both groups are supporters of the measure.</p>