Letter to Chief Justice Charles Canady, Florida Supreme Court - Soto, Florida Members Call for Mediation Programs After July 1st Moratorium End

Letter

Dear Chief Justice Charles Canady,

We write to express our concern in anticipation of the inevitable financial consequences of the
Executive Order of Governor DeSantis and the June 8, 2020 Administrative Order of the Florida
Supreme Court regarding foreclosures and evictions due to nonpayment of rent. Although most
of the state has begun to reopen, homeowners and tenants continue to face ongoing financial
hardships due to this unprecedented public health emergency. Many Floridians still have not
received all of their earned state unemployment benefits or their unemployment benefits
provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Once these court proceedings resume, we believe the Florida Courts should implement programs
similar to the 2009 Statewide Managed Mediation Program for evictions due to nonpayment of
rent and foreclosures. Beyond the financial and legal implications of a foreclosure or eviction
lawsuit for an individual homeowner or tenant, the overall effects of expiration of a sixty-day
statewide moratorium may lead to housing insecurity and unnecessary strain on an already
backlogged court system.

Florida Courts should work creatively to reduce the inevitable financial and legal consequences
of this national pandemic, through mediation or other alternative dispute resolutions for the
millions of Floridians facing financial hardship. We appreciate your full and fair consideration of
our letter, consistent with applicable rules, statutes, and regulations, and your attention to this
important matter.

Sincerely,