The Fla. Housing Finance Corp. will send the first round of federal funds for coronavirus-related housing relief to individual counties and cities for distribution. Altogether, $120M will go to renters and homeowners hurt by the pandemic “through no fault of their own.”

APOPKA, Fla. – The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) Board of Directors unanimously approved $75 million to assist Floridians who need rental and mortgage assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Gov. Governor Ron DeSantis.

The money is part of the federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The $75 million is the first release of funding, and DeSantis said the total amount will eventually be $120 million, with additional money going to other pandemic-affected organizations, such as local governments. Florida’s counties will oversee distribution once FHFC sends the money.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound disruption to families throughout the state,” says DeSantis. “It is my hope that these funds and the rest of the $250 million will provide some level of relief to individuals who – through no fault of their own – are now having difficulty making ends meet.”

A full list of the allocations is posted on Florida’s government website.

“As Floridians continue to struggle with the negative economic impacts of COVID-19, (FHFC) remains committed to providing renters and homeowners with housing assistance,” says Trey Price, executive director of FHFC. “We are proud to stand with the governor to ensure affordable housing remains a top priority, and that families have the necessary assistance to remain in their homes during these difficult times.”

Homeowners and renters can apply for the following assistance through a local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program housing office:

  • Rental and mortgage assistance payments for persons who experienced a hardship
  • Emergency repair
  • Rehabilitation and new construction related specifically to a need caused by COVID-19

FHFC encourages homeowners and renters impacted by the pandemic to visit its website for more information. It also offers a toll-free “Coronavirus Relief Fund for Impacted Homeowners and Renters Information Line” at 888.362.7885 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.

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