April 23, 2009

Banking lobbyists have quietly crafted a measure in the Florida Legislature that would prevent cities and counties from forcing the banks that hold mortgages on properties in foreclosure to maintain those properties until they have actually acquired the title to the land.

TALLAHASSEE With tens of thousands of homes across Florida left abandoned, government officials from Miami to Orlando have responded by sending crews out to mow lawns, clean pools and do other basic work and billing the banks to pay once they take possession of the property.