JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As July nears, rent and mortgage payments in Florida are coming due, and evictions that have been on hold during the pandemic may begin again.
“Prior to this pandemic, I’ve never been late on my mortgage, never missed a mortgage payment,” homeowner Shalisia Mosley said in a virtual conference hosted by Florida Housing Justice Alliance.
It's a story many across Florida and the nation share: the impact of COVID-19 not only on health but finances. That impact led to a pause on evictions, but that too is set to expire in a matter of days.
It’s estimated that Florida won’t enter Phase 3 of reopening until mid-July: weeks after the eviction moratorium is set to expire. That is why tenants and landlords are asking for more time.
That includes Akua Scott, who has renters in her Miami home, including one person who has been furloughed and unable to make payments.
“I’m the one who will be and am right now paying all the bills and all the increases and that’s difficult. It’s difficult,” Scott said.
Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $250 million of coronavirus relief earmarked for housing. Of that, $240 million will be used in relief efforts, while $10 million will be used for operational and administrative costs. Further breaking down the funding, $120 million will go to affordable housing tenants and another $120 million is pledged for rental and homeowners to cover costs.
DeSantis, who delayed evictions at the 11th hour last month, has yet to speak on whether he will delay the process further.
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation will run the programs to help renters and homeowners, with more information available at www.FloridaHousing.org.