Florida HB 779 Aims to Protect Renters From Swift Evictions
Updated 6/12: On June 4, the Sun Sentinel released an article titled New law gives renters more protection.
Link to FL HB 779 enrolled text
On April 27, the Palm Beach Post released an article titled Tenant protection bill weakened, but passes.
Tenant protection bill weakened, but passes
Florida legislation that aims to protect renters in foreclosed homes from swift evictions passed both chambers Friday, but in a watered down version from what consumer advocates had first proposed.
The bill, HB 779, requires new owners of a foreclosed home to give tenants 30 days to vacate the residence before being forcefully evicted.
The original bill, which was backed by the Florida Alliance for Consumer Protection and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, would have more closely mirrored a federal act that expired Dec. 31. Consumer advocates had hoped to give tenants 90 days to remain in the home, or require the new home owner to honor the rental lease.
“We would have loved to have a lot more, but at least this gives tenants a specific time frame from which to work,” said Florida Alliance for Consumer Protection Director Alice Vickers earlier this month. “I appreciate the bankers meeting us halfway on a lot of these issues.”
Sen. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee, who sponsored the Senate’s version of the bill, said Florida is one of just eight states that allows for immediate eviction of tenants in foreclosed homes when a new owner buys the property.
The federal act was approved as the housing crisis escalated and renters were increasingly surprised by evictions, unaware that the homes they were living in were in foreclosure and had been repossessed.
Please click here to view the article online.
Please click here to view the full proposed text of FL HB 779 [pdf].
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Safeguard Properties is the mortgage field services industry leader, preserving vacant and foreclosed properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Safeguard provides the highest quality service to our clients by leveraging innovative technologies and proactively developing industry best practices and quality control procedures. Consistent with Safeguard’s values and mission, we are an active supporter of hundreds of charitable efforts across the country. Annually, Safeguard gives back to communities in partnership with our employees, vendors and clients. We also are dedicated to working with community leaders and officials to eliminate blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Safeguard is dedicated to preserving today and protecting tomorrow. Website: www.safeguardproperties.com.
