Florida Realtors received word that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) extended its federal eviction moratorium through July 31, 2021. In a press release the association voiced its opposition to the decision, calling it “disappointing,” particularly for the thousands of Realtor members who are also housing providers.

The CDC stated in its announcement that this latest extension of the moratorium, which has been in place since September 2020 under the CDC’s powers during a public health emergency, is intended to be the last.  The eviction moratorium prevents housing providers from evicting tenants for a variety of COVID-19-related reasons.

Following the announcement, the White House released a fact sheet on “Initiatives to Promote Housing Stability by Supporting Vulnerable Tenants and Preventing Foreclosures.”

It outlines plans by the administration to coordinate across federal agencies and the state, local and national governments to provide resources for tenants and housing providers impacted by the moratorium. 

In late May, Florida Realtors filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Tampa that alleges the moratorium is “an unprecedented and unlawful federal administrative order” that oversteps the CDC’s legal authority. Florida Realtors is currently waiting on the court to rule on the case. 

In the meantime, landlords, property managers, agents and renters are encouraged to visit Florida’s rental assistance program (called OUR Florida). The program began accepting and processing applications for rental/utility assistance on May 17th.

OUR Florida provides renters who qualify with relief on unpaid rent and utility bills and supports landlords and utilities with relief on lost revenue to support their continued recovery.  The program provides assistance for past due rental payments and up to three months of future rental payments, not to exceed 15 months of total rental assistance. Landlords and property managers should coordinate with tenants to determine eligibility for the program and to submit the application. Once the application is approved the landlord will receive payment directly.