Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Awards More Than $30 Million to Assist Homeowners

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to administer the Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund Program (HAF), awarded $10 million this week to homeowners in need. This amount brings a total of $30 million distributed to over 1,000 homeowners by the agency.

For more information on getting a grant and also learning about refinance programs, take a look at this.

DEO Secretary Dane Eagle sent a letter to mortgage lenders and service providers asking them to partner with the agency and delay foreclosures and service disruptions. DEO continues to prioritize Florida’s most vulnerable residents, and homeowners in Tier 1 are encouraged to apply for help. After homes in Tier 1 have received help, DEO will encourage homeowners in Tier 2 to apply, subject to funds availability.

“It is through the profound efforts of committed DEO staff and vendors working tirelessly with mortgage lenders and service providers that assistance is being awarded at an accelerated rate to Florida’s vulnerable homeowners,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “We can’t do this alone, and this partnership with vendors, lenders, and servicers plays an important role in keeping Floridians in their homes. We continue to urge lenders and services to delay foreclosure proceedings and service disruptions for homeowners who have applied for assistance through Florida’s HAF program.”

The purpose of the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is to help homeowners avoid mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, and other housing-related expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to $50,000.00 in help may be available to eligible Florida homeowners.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) was recently criticized by Rep. Joy Goff-Marcil for not informing homeowners enough about the existence of the program and distributing only 1% of the funds provided by the American Rescue plan.

For more information on getting a grant and also learning about refinance programs, take a look at this.