A program designed to help Miami-Dade residents facing eviction due to rising rental rates is at risk after Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed $1.35 million in funding from the state budget. The program, launched in 2021, provides legal assistance and support to families on the brink of eviction. Despite the Legislature approving the funding, DeSantis cut it from the budget, which now stands at $116.5 billion for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
The program is crucial in addressing the ongoing housing crisis in Miami-Dade, where over 5,115 evictions have been filed between 2020 and 2023. Currently, there are over 9,000 pending evictions in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The county has spent 80% of its allocation, exceeding federal requirements, and will seek additional funding to address the skyrocketing rental rates.
While DeSantis approved $500 million for statewide housing assistance programs, the county will rely on its own funding and outside support to continue the Eviction Prevention Program. The program assists individuals and families with rent, mortgage, security deposits, utility bills, and food, and plays a vital role in keeping families housed. Miami-Dade is also working to build more affordable housing with federal funding and partnerships with developers.
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