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Local attorneys expect flood of filings if Florida eviction moratorium is lifted

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Local attorneys said more and more renters are in growing jeopardy of losing their homes, and there is no end in sight for the pandemic.

The unemployment rate is still high, especially here in Central Florida, and it's unclear when people will see more federal stimulus checks.

Rep. Anna Eskamani said residents should encourage the governor to extend the eviction moratorium that could expire Sept. 1.

“Coronavirus

READ: Orange County approves $20 million eviction diversion program for those financially impacted by COVID-19

Legal aid attorney Jim Kowalski said in Orange County about 500 evictions were filed during the moratorium.

Those evictions were halted, but after Aug. 1 and an update in the state's order, processes have already begun.

Attorneys argue that no final judgment can be issued, but the order wasn't exactly clear.

“Those are in the hopper and they are ready to go, and they are being issued now, and we are expecting a flood of filings,” he said.

Orange County is working to use $20 million in CARES Act funding to help renters, but not everyone will qualify.

Eskamani said that means renters must take control of their own situation.

“And at the end of the day, we want to make sure that people feel empowered,” she said.

Shannon Butler

Shannon Butler, WFTV.com

Shannon joined the Eyewitness News team in 2013.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.