Florida Lawmakers Consider State Laws to Protect Tenants From COVID Evictions

For nearly a year now, Florida tenants have been protected by state and federal moratoriums on evictions. This has helped many families shelter in place in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Unfortunately, the current federal moratorium on evictions is set to expire soon, and it is not clear whether it will be renewed. State lawmakers are considering options to enact state rules that would afford eviction protections to Florida tenants.

The  Miami Herald reports that two separate bills have been introduced to the Florida Senate. One would require independent mediation between landlords and tenants before an eviction could be processed by the housing court. This would help landlords and tenants explore options to keep families in place without incurring significant court costs (and leaving the tenant with an eviction on his or her record).

The second bill would allow eviction records to be sealed for any tenant that was evicted due to COVID-related losses (such as reduced working hours or loss of income). This would help tenants secure alternate housing if and when their landlords were able to secure a formal eviction. Both measures could provide critical relief for tenants trying to keep their families at home in order to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus.

If the coronavirus has taught us one thing, it is that we will never know what to expect from it. Financial and medical complications are likely to continue well into 2021. Your housing might be uncertain, but the experienced Casselberry and Oviedo eviction attorneys at Quattrochi, Torres, and Taormina are here to help all Florida families stay in their homes to stop the spread of COVID-19. We fight to protect residents’ legal rights during the eviction process, and we can also help you explore affordable housing options or emergency housing funds. Call407.452.4918 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.