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For Florida residents facing financial hardship, the search for a rent relief program can be a source of significant stress and confusion. If you are struggling to pay rent, it is essential to know that while the primary statewide pandemic-era program has concluded, a network of emergency housing and utility assistance remains available.
Help is now administered through a decentralized system of county and city governments, alongside vital non-profit community partners. Navigating this landscape requires knowing where to look and who to call. This resource provides a clear, direct path to identifying and applying for the financial aid you need to maintain housing stability.
A crucial first step for any renter seeking assistance is to understand the status of the "OUR Florida" program. This was the state's centralized Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), launched to distribute federal funds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Managed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), OUR Florida provided more than $1.3 billion in relief to over 228,000 families for past-due rent and utilities.
However, this program was temporary. OUR Florida stopped accepting new applications on May 12, 2022, after its federal funding was fully obligated. Any information suggesting that this statewide portal is still open for new applicants is outdated.
The closure of OUR Florida marked a significant shift in how emergency rental assistance is accessed in the state. The system has reverted to a model where aid is distributed through an array of local programs. This means a resident's access to aid now depends on the specific programs and funding levels of their particular county or city.
While you will apply for emergency aid at the local level, the funding and regulatory structures are often supported by larger state and federal initiatives. Knowing these foundational programs helps clarify the types of assistance available.
The Role of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD is the primary federal agency for housing policy, but it does not typically provide direct, emergency rental assistance to individuals. Instead, HUD provides federal aid to local agencies that administer long-term housing programs.
Florida's State-Level Initiatives
The state of Florida also plays a crucial role by channeling funds to local governments for housing assistance.
State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, the SHIP program provides funds to all 67 counties and many larger cities. These local governments then use their SHIP allocation to create their own housing assistance programs, which can include emergency rental assistance.
Department of Children and Families (DCF) Support
Even after the closure of OUR Florida, DCF continues to offer programs that can support housing stability.
The primary source for emergency funds is your local county or city government. Funding for these programs can fluctuate, so it is always best to check their websites and call for the most current information.
Quick Guide to Florida Emergency Rental Assistance by Major County
| County | Primary Program(s) | Key Services Offered | Direct Contact / Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) | Rental subsidies, security/utility deposits, senior assistance | Public Housing & Community Development: (786) 469-4100 |
| Broward | SHIP Funds, City of Hollywood Eviction Prevention | Past-due rent, eviction prevention grants | Family Success Centers: (954) 357-5000 (and others) |
| Palm Beach | Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) | Past-due rent and utilities (up to 18 months) | Call Center: (833) 273-9455 |
| Hillsborough | Rapid Response Recovery (R3), City of Tampa RMAP | Past-due rent, move-in costs, limited monthly subsidies | Hillsborough: (813) 272-5220; Tampa: (813) 307-5555 |
| Orange | Eviction Prevention in the Community (EPIC) | Financial aid for families with court-filed evictions | EPIC Message Line: (407) 836-6514 |
| Duval | Jacksonville Eviction Diversion Program | Jacksonville Eviction Diversion Program | Program Email: evictioncoordinator@coj.net |
A. Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County offers several programs through its Public Housing and Community Development department. The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program provides housing assistance with an emphasis on those with special needs, the elderly, and individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
The program can help with security and utility deposits. The City of Miami also runs its own programs, including an Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program and a Senior Rental Assistance Program for qualifying residents aged 62 and older.
B. Broward County
Broward County's Family Success Administration Division uses SHIP funds to provide financial assistance to residents who have experienced a crisis. Many larger cities, known as "entitlement cities," receive their own funding and run separate programs.
A prime example is the City of Hollywood's Rental Assistance - Eviction Prevention program. This program provides a grant to cover up to six months of past-due rent for eligible low-to-moderate income households to prevent eviction.
C. Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County's Community Services Department administers an Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program to help residents affected by financial hardship. The program can provide up to 18 months of combined assistance for past-due rent and utilities.
Eligibility requires that a household's income be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and the program prioritizes applicants with very low incomes or those who have experienced long-term unemployment. Applicants must demonstrate a risk of homelessness, such as a past-due rent notice.
D. Hillsborough County / City of Tampa
This region has a multi-layered approach to rental assistance. Hillsborough County runs the Rapid Response Recovery (R3) Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Concurrently, the City of Tampa offers the Rental and Move-in Assistance Program (RMAP).
RMAP provides several types of aid:
Notably, RMAP serves households with incomes up to 140% of the AMI, recognizing that even moderate-income families can struggle with housing costs.
E. Orange County
Orange County's assistance is highly targeted toward those in the most acute crisis. The Eviction Prevention in the Community (EPIC) program is a last-resort intervention for families with minor children who have already received a formal eviction notice filed with the court system.
The program provides financial assistance to stop the eviction, along with mandatory case management and financial counseling. Eligibility is once-in-a-lifetime, underscoring its emergency nature.
F. Duval County / City of Jacksonville
Duval County has implemented a systemic approach through the Jacksonville Eviction Diversion Program. This initiative is a partnership between the City of Jacksonville, local courts, and non-profits.
The program has two main components:
Government programs are the primary source of funding, but non-profit organizations are often the most accessible distribution network for that aid. They serve as the community's safety net.
Your Most Important First Call: Dial 2-1-1 (United Way)
For anyone in Florida facing a housing crisis, the most important first step is to dial 2-1-1. This free, confidential hotline is operated by the United Way and serves as a central information and referral hub for all human and social services.
The specialists at 2-1-1 maintain the most up-to-date, localized database of which agencies have available funding for rent, utilities, and other basic needs. They can provide direct referrals, saving you valuable time.
Catholic Charities
Across Florida, various dioceses of Catholic Charities operate Emergency Assistance programs. These programs provide financial assistance for rent, mortgage, and utility payments with the direct goal of preventing homelessness. To access services, you must contact the Catholic Charities office that serves your county.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is another cornerstone of community support, with local centers throughout the state offering emergency financial assistance. Their social services departments provide tangible support to families struggling to pay basic bills, including help with past-due rent and utility payments.
Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies are local non-profit organizations that carry out programs to combat poverty. These agencies often administer federal programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and may have their own funds for emergency rental assistance.
Receiving an eviction notice is an emergency that requires immediate and strategic action. The legal process in Florida moves very quickly, and inaction can lead to the loss of your home.
Do Not Ignore an Eviction Notice
Ignoring a legal notice is the most detrimental step a tenant can take. A landlord cannot legally remove you without a court order. If you fail to respond to an eviction lawsuit by the deadline, your landlord can win by default, and a judge can order your eviction without hearing your side.
Florida Legal Aid and Eviction Prevention
For low-income tenants, free legal assistance is a critical lifeline. Several non-profit legal aid organizations in Florida specialize in housing law.
Navigating the threat of eviction is overwhelming, but a methodical approach can make a significant difference. To effectively secure the help you need, focus on a clear, strategic action plan.
Tackling a housing crisis is challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. By taking these deliberate steps, you can connect with the resources available to help you secure your housing and regain financial stability.
Most local programs require a valid photo ID for all household adults, proof of Florida residency (like a lease agreement), documentation of income (pay stubs or benefit letters), and clear evidence of your financial hardship, such as a past-due rent ledger or utility shut-off notice.
Do not ignore it. Immediately contact your local Legal Aid society for free legal counsel regarding your rights and the eviction process. You should also check your county court website or call 211 to see if a local eviction diversion program is available to mediate with your landlord.
Yes, many local programs, including those funded by SHIP, often provide assistance for past-due utilities like electricity and water. Additionally, Florida residents can apply for the separate federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help manage energy costs.
Many local housing offices use State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds for homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing. This assistance can often be applied toward security deposits and first month's rent, helping families secure new, stable housing rather than just covering back rent.
Emergency rental assistance is a short-term, one-time payment designed to resolve a specific financial crisis and prevent immediate eviction. The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) is a long-term federal subsidy program that pays a portion of your rent every month. Waitlists for Section 8 are typically very long.
Veterans facing eviction should immediately contact the VA's National Call Center for Homeless Veterans. The VA also funds the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which partners with local Florida non-profits to provide rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention services specifically for veterans and their families.
Yes. Beyond standard county assistance, Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs works with local Area Agencies on Aging. These agencies connect seniors to various resources, including dedicated senior housing communities, voucher information, and assistance programs designed to help them remain stably housed.
Priority for most Florida housing assistance is given to the most vulnerable households. This typically includes applicants with the lowest incomes (often below 50% of the Area Median Income), households with minor children, residents 65 or older, or individuals with a documented disability.
If you are currently experiencing homelessness, your primary contact should be your local Continuum of Care (CoC). These organizations manage federal Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds, which are used for emergency shelters, motel vouchers (when available), and rapid re-housing services.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) provides an official overview of the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. For direct legal help, non-profits like Florida Law Help and Community Legal Services offer free resources detailing tenant rights and defenses against illegal eviction.
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