Eviction During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Crisis

This resource contains common questions about eviction during the COVID-19 crisis for Tampa Bay area residents including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

I heard the protection from eviction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now over. Is this true?

YES, the United States Supreme Court decided on August 26, 2021, to effectively end the federal eviction protection provided by an order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that was set to last until October 3, 2021. The CDC Moratorium is NO LONGER IN EFFECT to provide any protection for tenants.

What does this mean if I have an existing or newly filed eviction case in court?

If there are no defenses to an eviction or a tenant raises defenses but the judge still rules against them, a landlord can now take an eviction case all the way to the final stage of removal of a tenant from the landlord’s property. The paper signed by the judge that allows this is called a Writ (Order) of Possession.

What happens after the judge signs a Writ of Possession?

A Sheriff will tape the Writ of Possession to a tenant’s door along with a pink paper called “Final Notice of Eviction.” This final notice will give a tenant 24-48 hours to leave the premises. If a tenant remains, the landlord can change the locks and put all the belongings inside the residence on the property line for anyone to take. The Sheriff will assist in removal of tenants as needed.

Are you behind on rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Emergency rental assistance is available. Learn more »