COVID 19 Tenant Rights

If you have read my article:  Corona Virus 19, Florida Evictions, and Tenant's Rights, by now, you know that depending on a tenant's circumstances, in Florida, a landlord was initially prohibited from filing an eviction against a tenant up until at least May 17, 2020.  However, if you have not, please read it here:  https://www.debirumph.com/corona-virus-19-florida-evictions-and-tenants-rights/

Additionally, in Florida, the moratorium has been repeatedly extended and modified substantially at least once:  https://www.debirumph.com/florida-eviction-moratorium-extended-until-september-1-2020-however-dont-breath-your-sigh-of-relief-just-yet/

The Presidential Executive Order on Providing Assistance to Renters and Homeowners

On August 8, 2020, the President of the United States issued Executive Order on Fighting the Spread of COVID-19 by Providing Assistance to Renters and Homeowners: https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-fighting-spread-covid-19-providing-assistance-renters-homeowners/  (“Executive Order”)

The Executive Order sounds inspirational and hopeful.  However, it does not provide any direct relief to renters or homeowners.  Indeed, the Executive Order provides:

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(emphasis added).

However, if you find yourself in eviction court, at the very least, you should argue that this Executive Order means that courts should interpret all eviction restrictions very broadly—to avoid the further spread of COVID-19.

If you need help creating a COVID-19 strategy or need full representation, please contact us by texting or calling us at (407) 499-0000.