In Spite of Legal Protections, Evictions Are Returning to Florida in Huge Numbers

Many tenants across Florida are experiencing financial hardships due to the coronavirus. Various state and federal rules have created legal protections throughout 2020 that prevented many tenants from being evicted. Unfortunately, these protections are no longer as strong as they were. There is a wave of evictions being granted in southern Florida, with many more on the way.

There was a state rule preventing evictions in Florida earlier this year. The governor chose to let this rule lapse after the CDC announced its own rule, arguing that this would reduce confusion about which rule applied. The actual consequence of this rule was that many Florida landlords were able to pursue evictions that were prohibited under the state rule. This is not an official element of the CDC rule, but the sheer number of eviction cases prove that eviction protections in Florida have been weakened.

The TampaBay Times reports that Pinellas County had no writs of possession ordered in April or May. More than 430 were ordered in October. (Some of these pertain to foreclosure cases, but the vast majority are for the eviction of renters.)Similarly, Hillsborough County had fewer than 25 writs ordered in May and June, when the state eviction ban was in place. More than 280 were issued in Hillsborough County in October.

So what can tenants do? The fact remains that the CDC order is still in place. You have legal rights, and a Casselberry and Oviedo eviction attorney can help you protect them. Call 407.452.4918 for your free consultation with an experienced Florida tenants’ rights attorney at Quattrocchi and Torres. Our lawyers can also help you access financial help and eviction prevention programs throughout Florida.