Eviction is a legal process a landlord can use to remove a tenant from rental property. For Florida renters, understanding your rights and the eviction process is essential to protect your home.
How Eviction Works in Florida
A landlord can file for eviction for reasons such as nonpayment of rent, violating lease terms, or staying past the lease end date. When served with an eviction lawsuit, you generally have five days (excluding weekends and holidays) to respond and, in most cases, deposit the rent owed into the court registry. The only time you may not have to pay is if you dispute the amount of rent.
Common Reasons for Eviction
1. Not Paying Rent – If rent is not paid on time, a landlord must first give a written notice giving three days to pay or move out.
2. Violating Your Lease – Lease violations are classified as curable or serious. Curable violations allow a 7-day notice to correct. Serious or repeated violations may result in a 7-day notice to vacate.
3. Staying After Lease Expiration – If a tenant remains past the lease end date without permission, the landlord may pursue eviction. Month-to-month leases require a 30-day notice to end.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Failure to respond on time can result in a default judgment, meaning you could be removed from your home without presenting your side of the story. Evictions can move quickly, so understanding the process and deadlines is critical.
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) helps families protect their housing. Clients who qualify can receive free legal assistance on eviction defense, tenant rights, and preventing homelessness. For help, call 1-888-582-3410, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.