How to Get Government Help with Eviction in Florida
As a resident of the Sunshine State facing the prospect of being evicted from your home, you may be wondering how to get government help with an eviction in Florida. There are a number of governmental resources that you can access.
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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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Contacting the state office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is one avenue a tenant can pursue when seeking governmental help with an eviction. There are two areas in which HUD Florida is helpful to tenants.
First, if there is an allegation made by the tenant that an eviction is being pursued for improper reasons (the race or age of the tenant, for example) HUD Florida can step in and provide legal and other assistance to the tenant.
Second, if a tenant participates in Section 8 housing (the HUD program that assists lower income individuals and families with rent), HUD Florida can also protect the interests of a tenant to some degree in an eviction action. Specifically, HUD Florida can step in to ensure that all of a tenant's basic rights are protected as well as review whether the landlord is complying with all Section 8 rules and regulations.
Legal Aid Assistance
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Accessing the services offered through legal aid is a resource a tenant can utilize. Local legal aid organizations in Florida are funded by governmental grants. Through these governmental grants, a person in need of assistance with an eviction can access an attorney versed in landlord and tenant law.
In order to qualify for this type of government assistance, a person needs to be unable to retain a private attorney to protect her rights in regard to an eviction case.
A tenant seeking legal assistance to protect her interests in a landlord and tenant matter, including an eviction case, can obtain information about legal aid services throughout the state by calling Florida Legal Services, the Tallahassee headquarters, at (850) 385-7900.
Florida Division of Consumer Services
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Taking advantage of the various resources available through the Florida Division of Consumer Services offers a tenant assistance with an eviction case. In this regard, this governmental agency offers informational resources to tenants so that they fully understand all of their rights.
Additionally, in certain circumstances a tenant can file a complaint with the division in regard to illegal conduct of a landlord, including illegal actions by a landlord in pursuing an eviction case against a renter.
The Florida Division of Consumer Services can be reached by calling (800) 435-7352.
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