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

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County commissioners unanimously approved a plan to launch an eviction diversion program due to the COVID-19 pandemic, paid for with $20 million of CARES Act funding.

Officials said Tuesday that the program is designed to help curb the potential onslaught of evictions that may occur due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Ron DeSantis placed a moratorium on evictions in April, which he has extended several times. It is currently set to expire Sept. 1.

Orange County officials said the program is designed to help Orange County tenants who are in imminent danger of being evicted by preventing the property owner from initiating the eviction process. That, they said, will keep the eviction from appearing on the tenant’s permanent record.

READ: Latest eviction moratorium extension includes additional requirements

“COVID-19 adds a lot of stress to our lives. One thing I don’t want our Orange County residents to worry about is being evicted from their homes,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings in a statement. “This new assistance program will help our residents stay afloat during this unprecedented time.”

According to the county, the program will provide assistance for up to three months of past-due rent, with a cap of $4,000, to residents who have been impacted financially by COVID-19.

To be considered eligible for the program, the county said applications must be completed by both the tenant and the landlord.

READ: Orlando ranks middle-of-the-pack among major U.S. cities for housing affordability

The program will launch Aug. 25.

Officials said that of the $20 million, $5.7 million of the funds for the program are from the State CARES-Coronavirus Relief Funds.

The county said funds for the program will be divided and distributed to residents and their participating landlords as follows based on average median income:

• $11 million for very low income
• $8 million for low income
• $1 million for moderate income

Click here for more information on eligibility criteria and required documents.

VIDEO: Trump signs executive orders on payroll tax, evictions, student loans, unemployment President Donald Trump signed executive orders Saturday for a deferment on payroll taxes, an extension of unemployment insurance and a moratorium on rental evictions. The president also signed an order that would defer student loans and forgive their interest.

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