~ Weekly Update for the Homeowner Assistance Fund, Week of May 23-27 ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced that it has awarded more than $30 million in total relief, with more than $10 million awarded this week alone, to some of Florida’s most vulnerable homeowners through the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). 

Yesterday, on behalf of the Department, DEO Secretary Dane Eagle sent a letter directly to mortgage lenders and service providers, urging them to delay foreclosure proceedings and service disruptions, and encouraging them to partner with DEO to identify and assist Florida homeowners who may be eligible for relief through the program. Through all avenues possible, the Department remains committed to helping Florida homeowners recover from financial challenges and attain financial stability.

"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."

PROGRAM UPDATES WEEK OF MAY 23-27

Applications

• A total of 1,222 homeowner applications have been approved by DEO, representing more than $30 million in awards to date.
• 7,225 applications have been started by homeowners but have not been submitted. 
• 6,450 applications have been submitted to DEO by homeowners.

Registrations

• 31,281 eligible registrations have been submitted.
• 29,800 registrations are Tier 1, and all have been invited to apply for relief.
• 1,481 registrations are Tier 2.

DEO continues to prioritize Florida’s most vulnerable homeowners and is inviting homeowners in Tier 1 to apply for assistance. DEO will invite homeowners in Tier 2 to apply after homeowners in Tier 1 have received assistance, pending the availability of funding. DEO remains committed to processing Florida’s HAF program registrations and applications as quickly as possible.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

• Florida homeowners who have been impacted by the pandemic and believe they may be eligible to receive relief through the HAF program are encouraged to register to participate in the program. Potential applicants can complete the registration process by visiting www.FLHomeownerAssistance.org.

• Registration assists DEO in determining the eligibility and prioritization of prospective applicants for the program.

• After registrants are determined eligible, they receive an invitation to apply for assistance and are encouraged to apply for all types of assistance available through the HAF program, including mortgage and utility assistance.

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER LOCATIONS

*Please note: All in-person Customer Assistance Centers will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2022, in observance of Memorial Day. 

Hours of Operation are Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Eastern Time, at the locations listed below: 

Fort Lauderdale
2151 NW 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
(Open Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Jacksonville
5310 Lenox Avenue, Unit 5, Jacksonville, FL 32205

Miami Gardens
580 NW 183rd Street, Miami Gardens, FL 

Orlando
2210 South Rio Grande Avenue, Orlando, FL 32805

Tallahassee
3800 Esplanade Way, Suite 130, Tallahassee, FL 32311 

Tampa
1907 E Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610

West Palm Beach
720 8th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

RESOURCES FOR APPLICANTS

The Homeowner Assistance Fund Customer Assistance Center (833-987-8997) is available Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Eastern Time), for all inquiries and questions.

Additional resources listed below are available at www.FLHomeownerAssistance.org:

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• PROGRAM OVERVIEW
• APPLICATION DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
• APPLICATION GUIDE

PREVIOUS PROGRAM UPDATES

• On February 9, 2022, DEO received approval of the state of Florida's Homeowner Assistance Fund Needs Assessment and Plan from the United States Department of the Treasury (U.S. Treasury) to implement the state's HAF program for eligible homeowners. The Needs Assessment and Plan was submitted to the U.S. Treasury on August 20, 2021.

• Prior to the approval of the state’s HAF Needs Assessment and Plan, DEO began utilizing 10 percent of the allocated funding to launch the Homeowner Assistance Fund Pilot Program in November 2021, in accordance with U.S. Treasury guidance. The state of Florida was one of 12 states to proactively launch a HAF Pilot Program while waiting for the U.S. Treasury to approve its Needs Assessment and Plan.

• On February 28, 2022, DEO initiated Phase 2 of the HAF program by opening registration for prospective applicants. Applicants determined eligible through the registration process are currently receiving unique application links by email to apply for up to $50,000 in assistance.

ABOUT HAF

The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is designed to mitigate financial hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic by preventing homeowners’ mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, and displacements, as well as by providing assistance with home energy services, internet, property and/or flood insurance, property taxes, and homeowner or condominium association fees. Eligible Florida homeowners may receive up to $50,000 in assistance.

ABOUT DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce, and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.

###