Florida Governor DeSantis is sending $1000 directly to thousands of law enforcement personnel, first responders, teachers, and principals. This money comes from the COVID relief money given to Florida by the federal government. To all of you receiving this payment: Yes, it is income, so it is in fact subject to income and payroll taxes.
As of June 2024, there are no new COVID-specific relief payments being distributed in Florida. However, various federal and state programs continue to support residents affected by the pandemic. For instance, the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is still providing support to homeowners struggling with mortgage payments and other housing-related costs (Kiplinger.com) (U.S. Department of the Treasury). Additionally, some Floridians might still benefit from existing state and federal programs, such as rental assistance and unemployment benefits, designed to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic.
For more detailed and current information, you can visit official resources such as the U.S. Department of the Treasury and state government websites.
