We’ve collected resources for Florida that you as a landlord can use or you can recommend to your tenant.
If your tenants can’t pay their rent due to the COVID-19, and you can’t evict either because you want to help or based on the eviction moratorium (Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and FHA loans), you can create an agreement to spread our past due payments over the length of the lease. Past Due Workout Agreement (free form)
Most Florida counties don’t have an eviction moratorium in place for now except for loans insured by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA. However, the Sheriff will not serve eviction notices for at least 30 days.
Broward, Seminole and Brevard counties have halted evictions and foreclosures, more counties may follow. Check with your local Clerk of Court for up to date information.
Federal Help
- Mortgage Payments on FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac insured loans can be delayed temporary without late fees and late payments reported to the credit bureaus. Related: Eviction Moratorium
- Multifamily Landlords who have loans insured by Freddie Mac can defer the loan for 90 days if they show a hardship due to the Coronavirus and if their lender approves it. Landlords cannot evict tenants for non-payment during this period. Freddiemac/Covid-19
- SBA Disaster Loan Program (low-interest loans for small business)
- IRS extending filing and payment deadlines for individual returns to July 15 IRS/Coronavirus
Not sure what benefits you qualify for? Use the Official benefit Government Finder Benefits.gov/Finder
Florida State Help
Florida Unemployment Assistance COVID-19
- Maximum benefits $275 per week.
- DeSantis is waiving a rule that required people to prove they’re looking for work in order to receive state benefits.
Florida Small Business Emergency Disaster Bridge Loan
Utilities
- Florida Power & Light -suspending utility disconnections until the end of March, possibly longer fpl/help
- TECO Gas – suspending disconnections until end of April. Ask for payment extension if you can’t pay peoplesgas.com
- Comcast – suspending disconnections. You have to call if you can’t pay.
- At&T – no disconnections for customers who can’t pay due to Coronavirus. At&T/Coronavirus
County Help
Brevard County
- Brevard County Assistance Programs Brevard/Emergency Event
Duval County
- North Florida/Jacksonville COVID-19 Resources
Orange County
- County is offering one-time rent payment. Residents who need assistance making their rent or utility payments can call 407-836-6500. The Orange County Utilities Department will not suspend any accounts during the pandemic.
- www.ocfl.net/Coronavirus
Pinellas County
Hillsborough County
Lee County
- Lee County LeeGov/Assistance
Miami-Dade County
- Miami-Dade County Financial Assistance -Rental and Other Emergency Assistance for Evicted
- Catholic Charities Emergency Services
Broward County
Palm Beach County
- COVID-19 Rental Eviction Protection Program West Palm Beach/ COVID-19 Assistance
Pasco County
- Pasco County Assistance Programs PascoCountyFL