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Foreclosure rates nationwide have fallen to the lowest since 2005. But, as Matt Horn reports – Florida still has the highest rate in the country.

For another month – Florida ranks number one for foreclosure rates.

“It doesn’t surprise me just because again the number of foreclosures that still need to get through the system, they’ve just been sitting there,” said John Sebree, Florida Realtors Association

Sebree with the Florida Realtors Association says there is a silver lining. The foreclosure rates in the state have dropped 40 percent since November a year ago.

“The number of foreclosure filings, which are brand new foreclosures that are entering the market are down significantly across the country and even more in Florida,” said Sebree.

Eight of the top 10 cities with the highest foreclosure rates are in Florida – legislation that took effect in July has changed the process.

That’s when Governor Rick Scott signed a Republican-driven bill to speed up foreclosures, but also require better loan documentation from banks.

“It’s going to help make sure we have a timely foreclosure process, so our families make sure they can keep their homes,” said Governor Scott.

Anthony DiMarco with The Florida Bankers Association says the court process delays a foreclosure from beginning to end.

“Here it’s taking 800, 900 days when you go through the court system,” said DiMarco.

As foreclosure rates drop, housing prices continue to increase.

Upwards of 20-thousand foreclosures a month, but, there are still around 275-thousand that need to be processed.