Eviction in Florida
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Florida requires landlords to provide three days' written notice before filing eviction for non-payment of rent.
How Florida treats Eviction
Landlords must give tenants three days to pay outstanding rent before initiating eviction proceedings in Florida courts. Florida's eviction process is relatively quick; cases often proceed to judgment within two to three weeks if the tenant does not respond. The state uses a streamlined court procedure specifically for eviction cases called 'forcible detainer' actions. Tenants must file a written response within five days of being served to contest the eviction in court.
The general definition of Eviction
The legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from rental property.
Eviction is the formal legal process a landlord uses to force a tenant to leave the property. The landlord must have a valid reason—such as non-payment of rent, lease violation, or the end of the lease term—and must follow strict procedural rules, which vary by state. Typically, the landlord must give written notice (often 30 days or more), file a case in court, and obtain a judgment from a judge before the tenant can be physically removed. A tenant has the right to defend themselves in court and present their side of the story.
Read the full Eviction entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Florida.