On May 14, 2020, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis extended Executive Order 20-94, which banned certain real estate evictions, through June 2, 2020. 

Executive Order 20-94 also suspends all statutes “providing for a mortgage foreclosure cause of action.”  For evictions, the order states that tenants may not be removed for nonpayment, indicating evictions for other reasons are still in bounds.

Courts have reported that eviction actions continue to be filed during the moratorium, but summons are not being served and the time for tenants to respond to the eviction complaints is suspended. 

In light of Gov. DeSantis’ extension of the moratorium on evictions, landlords may want to think twice before moving forward with filing evictions. Landlords should make every effort to find amicable arrangements to help tenants work towards full payment of rent and should put any alternative payment arrangements in writing to ensure future payment. In doing so, they may avoid costly litigation and eviction disputes and, more importantly, prevent negative press.