How long does an eviction take in Florida?

An uncontested Florida eviction typically takes three to six weeks from three day notice to writ of possession. Contested cases can take two to four months. The timeline depends heavily on tenant compliance with the five day court registry deposit deadline under § 83.60(2).

Can a landlord evict without written notice in Florida?

No. Florida requires written notice for all statutory grounds. Verbal notices are legally insufficient. The specific notice type (3-day, 7-day cure, 7-day termination, or 30-day) depends on the reason for eviction.

What court handles evictions in Florida?

Florida evictions are filed in county court in the county where the property is located. Each county has its own clerk of court and filing procedures.

Can I be evicted for reporting bad conditions?

No. Section 83.64 protects tenants from retaliation for reporting code or health violations, complaining to the landlord about habitability issues, organizing tenant activity, or exercising fair housing rights. The tenant must show differential treatment and that the landlord's motive was retaliation.

Can Florida landlords lock me out?

No. Self help eviction is prohibited under § 83.67. Landlords who change locks, remove doors, or cut utilities face damages of actual damages or three months' rent, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees. Subsequent violations are separate damage awards. Injunctive relief is available.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Florida?

Filing fees vary by county but typically range from $185 to $450 for the filing itself, plus $40 to $100 for service. Additional costs may apply for money damage claims.

What is the 3-day notice deadline exactly?

The 3-day notice period under § 83.56(3) is three days excluding Saturday, Sunday, and legal holidays. The statute further specifies that legal holidays for the purpose of this section shall be court-observed holidays only. This is more precise than 3 business days because it accounts for court holidays that fall on weekdays.

What if my landlord accepts partial rent after serving a 3-day notice?

Under § 83.56(5), accepting partial rent does not waive the landlord's right to terminate if the landlord takes one of three actions: providing a receipt showing the agreed balance, placing the partial rent in the court registry, or posting a new three day notice for the reduced amount. If the landlord doesn't do one of these three things, the acceptance waives the notice.

Do I have to deposit rent in court to defend against a Florida eviction?

Yes, if you're raising any defense other than payment. Under § 83.60(2), you must deposit the accrued rent as alleged in the complaint into the court registry within five days after service of process, excluding weekends and legal holidays. Missing this deadline results in an absolute waiver of your defenses other than payment. Section 8 tenants deposit only their portion of the rent.

What happens if my landlord uses self help eviction in Florida?

Under § 83.67, damages are actual damages OR three months' rent, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees. Subsequent violations generate separate damage awards. Injunctive relief is available to restore possession or utility service. This is one of the strongest tenant remedies in Florida law.

Can my landlord raise rent in a month to month tenancy in Florida?

Yes, but only with proper notice. Under § 83.57(3), rent changes for month to month tenancies require 30 days written notice (updated from 15 days by the 2023 amendment). Miami-Dade requires 60 days for certain rent changes under local ordinance. Broward has a fair notice ordinance.

What's the difference between the 3-day and 7-day notice in Florida?

The 3-day notice applies to nonpayment of rent (§ 83.56(3)). The 7-day notice applies to lease violations other than nonpayment. Within the 7-day category, § 83.56(2)(a) covers non-curable violations (immediate termination with 7 days to vacate), and § 83.56(2)(b) covers curable violations (7 days to correct or termination follows).

Florida Eviction Process: The Complete 2026 Guide for Tenants and Landlords

By the RentLateFee Editorial Team • Updated July 22, 2026 • 1 min read

rent late feelandlordtenant

Florida Eviction Process: The Complete 2026 Guide for Tenants and Landlords

This guide covers the Florida eviction process in full detail, including notice requirements, filing procedures, court hearings, and tenant rights under Florida Statute 83.56.