What We Know About Getting the Second Stimulus Funds to Florida Families

The coronavirus pandemic has caused serious financial hardships for many Florida families. Congress has now passed a second stimulus bill, which -among other key provisions – will provide direct funding to states for housing assistance. This is a critical step toward keeping Florida families in their homes during a deadly pandemic. But when can families expect to actually receive this vital financial aid?

The Tampa Bay Times reports that Governor DeSantis expects the state government to administer more than $850 in relief programs. (Cities and counties may also receive additional funding through separate programs.) Local governments will be eligible to participate if they oversee at least 200,000 residents. The state expects that the federal government will distribute these funds to the states “in the coming weeks.” This means it could still be some time before Florida renters get the financial assistance they need.

So what can Florida tenants and homeowners do to keep a roof over their heads in the meantime? It is important to make a plan early. The sooner you take action, the better options you will have for keeping your family in your home. There might be other financial or legal aid programs available to you. Your landlord may be willing to negotiate a repayment plan, if you can demonstrate that you will qualify for the next round of housing assistance. There are many possibilities. If, however, you wait until your past due rent has accumulated into a huge amount, it will be more difficult to pay off the debt in order to avoid eviction.

 
The experienced Florida eviction attorneys at Quattrochi, Torres, and Taormina know how hard the COVID-19 pandemic has hit Florida homeowners and tenants, and we are here to help. Call 407.452.4918 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.