As Florida Moratorium Ends, Financial Assistance Takes Its Place

 Posted on October 13, 2020 in Bankruptcy

Due to the financial impact of COVID-19 on individual families and the economy as a whole, governors across the country put up protections against evictions and foreclosures. Now seven months into the pandemic, states have begun allowing these eviction and foreclosure moratoriums to expire, Florida included. Governor Ron DeSantis’ moratorium expired on October 1, leaving many Floridians panicked about how they will make ends meet. You may be concerned about your family’s financial well-being, feeling as if you are on the brink of bankruptcy. Luckily, financial assistance is available and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have picked up where some of the states left off.

Affordable Housing Coronavirus Relief Initiative

In late June, Gov. DeSantis announced $250 million in CARES Act funding would be used as rental and mortgage assistance for families who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. Known as the Affordable Housing Coronavirus Relief Initiative, the large sum of $250 million has been divided into two even pools. One was administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) as short-term rental assistance and the other half was released to counties throughout the state based on its reemployment assistance rate. According to the official press release, this second $120 million will be used for rental and homeowner assistance programs such as rehabilitation, new construction, mortgage buydowns, and more for those who have been impacted by COVID-19. The FHFC has information about the progress of the program.

The CDC Moratorium

Because people are struggling across the nation, the CDC has signed off on a federal eviction moratorium, which took effect on September 4 and lasts until the end of the year. In order to obtain protection under this moratorium, renters must fill out a declaration form and submit it to their landlord. Tenants must prove that they have made every possible attempt to pay at least part of their rent within their declaration. Despite this moratorium being put in place, it only extends to renters, not homeowners. 

Contact a Fort Lauderdale, FL Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

Despite the CDC and the state’s best efforts to help Floridians through these difficult financial times, many are still struggling. For many families, their financial difficulties existed before the pandemic and COVID-19 put them over the edge. If you are struggling to make ends meet, filing for bankruptcy might be your best option. At Elliot Legal Group, we are dedicated to helping you through these unprecedented times. Attorney Gavin Elliot is prepared to walk you through the bankruptcy qualifications and filing process. If you are concerned about your financial situation and would like to discuss how bankruptcy may benefit you, call our reputable Broward County bankruptcy attorney today at 754-332-2101 to arrange a private consultation.

Sources:

https://floridahousing.org/press/press-releases/releases/2020/2020/06/26/press-releases/governor-ron-desantis-announces-$250-million-for-affordable-housing-coronavirus-relief-initiative

https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2020/09/30/florida-s-eviction-moratorium-will-expire-tonight--desantis-says

https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2020/09/04/cdc-s-eviction-moratorium-sparks-uncertainty---particularly-among-landlords#