Pinellas County Receives More Than $21 Million in Federal Emergency Rental Assistance

Pinellas County residents will soon have access to emergency housing funds allotted under the second federal stimulus package. The Tampa Bay Times reports that a total of$21,428,218.80 was allotted to Pinellas County. While the County Administrator acknowledged these funds at a January 26th meeting of the county commissioners, he also said there is not yet a timeline for distributing these funds.

The Administrator said the county is working on delivering services in a way that complies with the program requirements. This could take some time, and tenants should be aware of the new requirements. Under the initial funding from the CARES Act, tenants only had to sign a declaration that they met eligibility requirements. The Treasury Department is now requiring documentation of eligibility (such as past-due notices, utility bills, and medical bills).Congress has also included another requirement for tenants in its second round of emergency rental assistance: tenants must now prove that they are at risk of homelessness of “housing instability.”

So what can Pinellas County tenants do to protect their legal rights while waiting for aid? It is important to get legal advice as soon as possible. The sooner you explore your housing options, the better options you will have.

The experienced Casselberry and Oviedo foreclosure and 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. (It is important to stay in contact with these programs and get on the list for funds as soon as you can.) Call407.452.4918 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.