Don’t leave renters in limbo, Gov. DeSantis. Extend Florida’s moratorium on evictions | Editorial
Gov. Ron DeSantis is running out the clock, ignoring the obvious and getting on people’s nerves — again.
His moratorium on evictions in the state expires on Aug. 1, and he’s being unnecessarily coy — some would say cruel — by not disclosing whether he will extend it as the coronavirus continues to take a toll.
Yes, he should extend it, and he should say so now. Millions of renters statewide are living in limbo, afraid that they will not have shelter if they are evicted because they can’t pay their landlords. The coronavirus pandemic still a major presence in the state. Residents still need somewhere to isolate themselves. Putting them out of their homes likely will increase their exposure to the virus, which should not be the goal of state policy.
In addition, it’s hurricane season. As proof, a tropical storm currently is wobbling its way toward our state. Again, families on the edge need shelter at this time.
What they don’t need is the uncertainty that DeSantis has put them though since April, when he first imposed a 45-day moratorium on evictions and foreclosure. It definitely was the right thing to do then, as the full scope of the pandemic’s economic damage had become clear.
Ban extended twice
DeSantis has extended the moratorium twice send then. But each time, the order has been renewed at the last minute, proof once again that the governor really doesn’t get the degree to which people who suddenly are living on the economic margins need some measure of stability. Doesn’t get it, or doesn’t care. After all, some of the very same people who could lose their homes also found getting state unemployment benefits like pulling teeth. DeSantis was lackadaisical about that, too.
And this is the same governor who punted when asked whether federal unemployment benefits should be extended, and at the same $600-a-week rate. He hadn’t been paying attention to the debate in the Senate, he said.
Landlords hurting, too
Renters are not the only ones who need help. Many of their landlords do, too. In late June — this state always acts late — DeSantis announced $250 million in CARES Act funding for rental and mortgage assistance for Florida families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding provided $120 million in short-term rental assistance for COVID-19 affected families living in multi-family rental properties in the Florida Housing Finance Corp.’s portfolio. FHFC reimburses the properties, subsidizing rents through December.
DeSantis needs to care. Equally important, he needs to show that he cares. As he works to find a way to reopen bars and craft breweries in the state, maybe he can assure other Floridians that they’ll have a roof over their heads.
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 6:00 AM.