Gov. Ron DeSantis remains tight-lipped on eviction moratorium extension
Gov. Ron DeSantis' approval rating has collapsed throughout the pandemic. Image via AP.

Ron DeSantis Pan American Hospital
The eviction moratorium expires at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 1.

After hosting a nearly 40-minute roundtable discussion with doctors in Orlando, Gov. Ron DeSantis had little to say when asked afterwards if he would extend the state’s eviction moratorium.

“We might,” DeSantis said. “We’ll have an announcement on that soon.”

The state’s eviction moratorium, which prohibits landlords from foreclosing or evicting tenants for nonpayment, was first put into effect on April 2. If renewed again, it will be the moratorium’s fourth extension.

The Governor’s brevity on the issue is not out-of-character. To the frustration of many, each extension has been announced late into the evening and with little time to spare. The current moratorium expires at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 1.

The moratorium is intended to provide relief for the thousands of Floridians who remain out-of-work or are otherwise economically-impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Without it, out-of-work Floridians are left at the mercy of landlords and banks.

Last week, the state received more than 120,000 new unemployment claims, according to Florida Department of Economic Opportunity data.

In total, roughly 3.18 million Floridians have filed for unemployment since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in March.

A recent National Federation of Independent Businesses survey also suggests small businesses are also struggling to stay afloat.

According to their survey, published Monday, a large majority of small businesses are running out of Paycheck Protection Program funding, a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The loans can be forgiven in most instances.

The survey reported that 71% of small businesses said they have run out of their share of the $517 billion PPP funding and another 29% said they are close to running out. Moreover, 46% said they will likely need to seek more federal relief loans in the next year to remain operational.

Jason Delgado

Jason Delgado covers news out of the Florida State Capitol. After a go with the U.S. Army, the Orlando-native attended the University of Central Florida and earned a degree in American Policy and National Security. His past bylines include WMFE-NPR and POLITICO Florida. He'd love to hear from you. You can reach Jason by email ([email protected]) or on Twitter at @byJasonDelgado.


6 comments

  • Sonja Fitch

    July 28, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    Duffus Desantis hasn’t been told by goptrump cult sociopath racist sexist trump what to do!!!! Extend today idiot!

  • Amanda

    July 28, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    What about those of us landlords who are supporting tenants ? Not fair

    • vickie

      July 29, 2020 at 7:06 am

      Totally understand. It’s not right. The government is seizing our homes. They think it’s ok to make us pay for others.

  • Vickie

    July 29, 2020 at 3:41 am

    The moratorium is nothing but the government’s way of stealing from people. Who are they to say I have to give up my home, my money to take care of someone else? I have been dealing with an unlawful detainer suit since March. I was forced to keep a family of four a roof over their heads. These people never gave me a dime. I am a single mother that has two dependents of my own and while the people staying in my home can keep all their money? In my case, it had nothing to do with COVID. They have income. Hell, they were able to buy beer, pot, and save thousands while they have a free ride from me. This is because the government said it was ok. “This chick on a Walmart income will keep ya.” This is so wrong!! If the government is worried about people then they need to send the landlords a check! This is B.S !!

    • Ralph

      July 31, 2020 at 9:52 pm

      DeSatan is stealing from all the landlords in Florida. This is the beginning of the end folks. Invited for this devil that is worse than a Democrat. I just hope that someone with money sues him and takes it all the way to the Supreme of of the USA. Don’t vote for this wolf own sheep’s clothing again folks. He is a Democrat disguised as a republican. This man is a thief. A Socialist. Landlords have worked hard for what they have and along comes this Socialist and hands it over to the public. Why? Because the government owns our property. We don’t really won anything. We just have title. Landlords with money, sue this man already!

  • Jean

    July 29, 2020 at 10:57 am

    I understand tenants needs housing but many landlords need the income to pay taxes. Insurance and even mortgage payments no one is helping them and the tenant stays for free even when they got a stimulus Check and unemployment. This eviction hold is unfair. Lenders and tax collectors are not forgiving their payments. So landlords will soon be homeless and.not the tenant. So much for the american dream and home ownership.

Comments are closed.


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