ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis has extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures until September 1, but the new order includes additional guidelines the initial order didn’t.
The original order called for a total ban on evictions.
The most recent extension of that order, announced Wednesday, requires tenants to prove that they have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
READ: Dyer: It could be months before Orlando bars reopen
“That’s going to require them to come to court and show that they have been adversely impacted,” attorney Robert Garcia explains.
If the tenant isn’t able to provide proof that they’ve been affected, they could be responsible for attorney’s fees, in addition to possibly losing the case.
“Still, under the executive order, even if the landlord wins, the landlord is not going to be able to physically remove the tenant from the property,” Garcia says.
That’s because the restriction on “final action” in the order is still in place.
READ: Orlando ranks middle-of-the-pack among major U.S. cities for housing affordability
Garcia advises tenants to make financial arrangements with their landlords.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says the county is working on an eviction diversion program, but those details won’t be revealed until August 11.
Cox Media Group
