Earlier this week, the federal government and several states including Florida, reached a landmark $25 billion settlement with 5 major banks: Ally/GMAC; Bank of America; Citi; JPMorgan Chase; and Wells Fargo.

As a result of the economic downturn and residential mortgage crisis in recent years, Floridians have been hit the hardest. According to the Daily Finance, 24% – nearly a quarter – of all home loans in Florida are delinquent, and 14% are in foreclosure.