Gov. Ron DeSantis this week announced that the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) board of directors unanimously approved $75 million in funding to local governments to assist Floridians in need of rental and mortgage assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), DeSantis also made available $250 million, of which $120 million will be sent to local governments to provide rental and mortgage assistance program. The $75 million approved this week is the first release of the funding to local governments. Sarasota County will receive $772,298; Manatee County will receive $1,169,599. For a full list of county-by-county allocations, click here.

Additionally, homeowners and renters impacted by COVID-19 can apply for the following assistance through a local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program housing office: rental and mortgage assistance payments for persons who experienced a hardship that prevents them from making these payments; emergency repairs; and rehabilitation and new construction needs  specifically caused by the pandemic. Click here for more information on the program and how to start the process, or call the state's designated information line at (888) 362-7885 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.