TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – From March 24 through March 30, OUR Florida approved 4,462 applications and obligated more than $28 million in relief to families behind on rent and utilities payments.

More than $1.15 billion has been obligated to 211,667 households across Florida since the program launched May 10, 2021.

“OUR Florida remains committed to providing opportunities for Florida families to get back on track with relief on past due rent and utilities payments,” says Melissa Gordon, chief administrative officer of Tidal Basin Group, which manages OUR Florida. “Through our partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), we’re helping eligible applicants stay in their homes.”

OUR Florida provides utilities and rental assistance to Florida families and businesses that qualify. The goal is to help families get back on track after falling behind on utility bills and rent payments, but it also benefits rental property owners because tenants’ rent relief can be paid directly to their landlord.

OUR Florida eligibility for renter applicants

• Rent a home, apartment or other residential dwelling in Florida
• Earn an income at or below 80% of their area’s median income (AMI)
• Qualified for unemployment, experienced a loss of income, incurred significant costs or faced financial hardships due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
• At risk of losing their home, experiencing housing instability or living in unsafe or unhealthy conditions

Visit OUR Florida for more information or call (833) 493-0594 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. The site also includes a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

By Kerry Smith | © 2022 Florida Realtors®