CRIST LEADS FLORIDA DELEGATION MEMBERS IN CALLING FOR EXTENSION OF EVICTION MORATORIUM
Washington, DC,
May 28, 2020
St. Petersburg, FL – U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-FL) sent a letter to Governor DeSantis urging an extension of the State’s moratorium on evictions, set to expire June 2nd. Crist, along with 12 Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation, cite the dire financial situation many Floridian renters are facing, while also highlighting the State’s responsibility to protect those hurt by the state’s broken unemployment system who are still unable to access their state and federal unemployment assistance. A pdf of the letter can be found here, with the text appearing below. The Honorable Ron DeSantis, Governor Dear Governor DeSantis: Floridians have been hard hit by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, leaving hundreds of thousands out of work, businesses shuttered, and families unsure of when they will be able to earn their next paycheck. In light of the unprecedented crisis, Congress acted to suspend evictions and late fees for properties with federally assisted mortgages and those that participated in federal assistance programs in the CARES Act. The State of Florida went one step further – suspending all evictions via your executive order, which you later extended to June 2. We write with grave concern that unless you once again act to extend the moratorium, June 2nd will be a dark day for Florida renters. In a May 23 article, “Landlords lining up to evict hundreds of Tampa Bay tenants once moratorium expires,” Tampa Bay Times reports that landlords have been preparing to throw out Floridians once your order expires. Given the State’s failure to provide unemployment benefits in a timely fashion, the State bears the responsibility to continue protecting Floridians from eviction. Our constituents who lost their jobs and their work, including independent contractors, the self-employed, and those with limited work history, were stymied by the Florida Reemployment Assistance application, and many cannot pay their rent – through no fault of their own. Due to the broken website, they should not be facing eviction. Until all eligible Floridians are receiving their weekly unemployment benefits on time, including the additional $600 per week provided by the CARES Act, and until all Floridians are made whole with benefits retroactive to the date of unemployment, allowing families to be thrown out on the street during this global pandemic would be an unthinkable abdication of duty to the people we serve. That is why we are calling on you to extend the current residential eviction moratorium through at least September 15th. Additionally, we urge you to include a ban on charging late fees or allowing them to accrue during this period. We have spoken to thousands of our constituents who are asking for much needed relief. We are now asking that you consider using your powers as Governor to help them when they need it most. As the financial situation of so many Floridians continues to deteriorate, the need to keep them and their families in their homes remains unchanged. It is vital for the public health and the strength of our communities. Plus, we believe it’s the right thing to do. As you continue to lead our state through this pandemic, we wish you success and ask that you will do what we believe is right for the people. Sincerely, |
