Update from the St. Lucie County Clerk. Closures and suspended services.

Congress has passed three relief packages to respond to COVID-19. Bank regulators have also adopted many new policies in light of needs resulting from the COVID-19 crisis.

Realtors® can begin applying now for several aid programs created by the $2 trillion dollar coronavirus relief package signed into law last Friday.

The state’s online system wasn’t prepared for a big spike in applications or a federal law that allows most independent contractors, such as many real estate licensees, to collect benefits. It’s now focused on expansion and says it will soon accept paper applications for jobless benefits.

The mortgage companies that back most loans eased some regulations, but they’re tightening work history timelines. For self-employed borrowers, it’s now only 10 days.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) signed into law on March 27, 2020, provides relief to families, small businesses, and individuals who are self-employed and independent contractors.

The National Association of Realtors® announced Thursday that it will be expanding access to Members TeleHealth at no cost to its members for those who register before April 15.

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Federal Advocacy team has been working closely with Congress and the Administration to ensure the interests of Realtors® and their clients are protected in any federal action in response to COVID-19.

Small businesses and sole proprietors can submit applications starting Friday, and independent contractors can apply on April 10.

Please note that this statewide order supersedes stay-at-home orders already in place in a number of our local municipalities and counties – real estate services have been deemed essential throughout the State of Florida.

The National Origin is a Fair Housing Act protected class, and the law applies even if someone hails from a county with a high rate of COVID-19 infections.

Most people in the world have been dramatically impacted by the pandemic COVID- 19 in recent weeks. Some are now unemployed. Some abruptly started working from home, while all manner of plans and travel arrangements were disrupted.

Florida will administer the program but has not yet created the “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” process – and current online applications don’t work for this unique program.

Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump signed into law the historic $2.2 trillion COVID-19 rescue package.

The spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 has rocked everyone back on their heels. For many small business owners, but especially those of us who work as Realtors, it’s done more than that; it has knocked them clear to the ground. With most real estate offices across the country closed and agents told to work from home, many Realtors are scrambling to cope with a new work environment as well as figure out just what they should do with themselves.

Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac unveiled a payment deferral option for homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments – and deferral can be for any reason, not just troubles related to COVID-19.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a historic $2.2 trillion COVID-19 rescue package Friday, sending it to President Trump for his signature.

The COVID-19 health crisis is a challenge, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetime. NAR is taking steps to support you now.

The National Association of Realtors® are offering their members an opportunity to earn their e-PRO® certification for free.

In an effort to assist our members, we have been in constant contact with our local elected officials to ensure that real estate can continue to be transacted in St. Lucie and Martin Counties.