COVID-19 Assistance

Monroe County BOCC Presentations

State Actions Regarding COVID-19

Evictions & Mortgage Foreclosures

Executive Order 20-211 regarding the Limited Extension of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief provides a limited, one-month extension to Executive Order 20-180, which made significant changes to prior versions of the mortgage foreclosure and eviction relief orders. These changes from Executive Order 20-180 that remain in effect through Oct. 1, 2020 include:

  • A property owner may initiate a mortgage foreclosure or eviction process in any situation allowed under existing Florida statutes. The Executive Order only halts the final action of certain foreclosures and evictions. 
  • The protections of halting final action for certain foreclosures and evictions are only for persons affected by the COVID-19 emergency. The Executive Order does not cover tenants whose lease expires or when non-payment occurs due to reasons other than the COVID-19 emergency.
  • The Executive Order applies only to residential tenants, not to commercial evictions.

Rent Payment Relief from Evictions

The new federal legislation (the CARES Act) that was just signed into law on March 27, 2020 created a federal moratorium from March 27, 2020 through July 24, 2020 prohibiting new evictions for nonpayment of rent, in those properties covered by a federally backed mortgage (FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD, etc.)

It is important to note that although this applies to nearly 80% of properties, not all properties are covered by this law. 

You should be in immediate contact with your landlord to let them know your current situation and to understand what options they have put in place to assist renters who are impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown.

Mortgage Payment Relief 

The CARES Act also provides a moratorium on mortgage foreclosures from March 18, 2020 through Aug. 30th, 2020 for single-family properties covered by federally-backed mortgages.

If you are facing a late mortgage payment due to job loss, you should immediately contact your servicer/lender to understand what your options are for deferring payments as needed. You will find the contact information on your monthly statement, your online account, or on their website.

As the state of emergency continues through the next few months, we would encourage private owners of rental properties without FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or other federally funded mortgages to check with their mortgage lenders to see if they might receive a forbearance of mortgage payments that would allow the renter in the unit to continue to stay while they work out getting the disaster relief funding.

Here is a summary of banks and their offers of support on their products, credit cards, loans, mortgages, etc.: https://www.bankrate.com/banking/coronavirus-list-of-banks-offering-help-to-customers-financial-hardship/

United Way Community Resource Guide

United Way of Collier and the Keys (UWCK) created a comprehensive online listing of COVID-19 Monroe County resources, including food pantries and other critical services, changes to operations for social service agencies, and pertinent local information. COVID-19 state and federal programs and assistance are listed separately, as well as a complete listing of health and human services in Monroe County.

Filing for Unemployment

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is in charge of Unemployment. Any Floridian whose employment has been negatively impacted as a result of COVID-19 to visit FloridaJobs.org and click on the Reemployment Assistance Service Center to learn more about the program.

Additional Help

Resources For Those Deemed Ineligible

Mental Health Programs

Alcoholics Anonymous

AA is available to those who have or think they may have a drinking problem. We continue to meet in small groups and observe safe practices for the welfare of all. Other options are available for compromised or sheltered individuals.

  • www.AA.org
  • AA Hotline Upper Keys 305-393-0857

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Stress Management Guide

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Monroe County Guidance/Care Center

The Guidance Care Center is here to help: Worried you might relapse into substance use? Thinking of self-harm or suicide? Unsure what to do and need help right away? There is local help available. Available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

  • 305-434-7660, Option #8

Florida Baptist Disaster Spiritual Care

Emotional and spiritual care, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

  • 888-829-5004
  • www.flbaptistdisaster.org

Florida Blue’s 24-Hour Emotional Support Hotline

(bilingual, and available to anyone, including the uninsured or those with other insurance providers) 

  • 1-833-848-1762

Salvation Army Helpline 

  • 844-458-HELP (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

LKMC Behavioral Health

Counselors and/or nursing staff available by phone 24/7

  • (305) 294-5531 ext. 2004
  • or call (305) 294-5531 ext. 2013 or 2004 for more information