Florida Eviction Timeline: Step-by-Step Process & Deadlines [2026]

Florida landlords must serve a 3-Day Notice demanding payment of rent or possession of the property. Unlike many states, Florida's 3-day count excludes weekends and legal holidays. The notice must state the amount of rent due and give the tenant 3 business days to pay in full. The notice can be delivered by posting on the door, personal delivery, or mail.

• 3 business days (weekends and legal holidays excluded)
• Must specify the exact amount of rent due
• Can be hand-delivered, posted on door, or mailed
• Tenant can cure by paying full rent within the notice period
• No specific statutory form required but must be written

After the 3-day notice expires without payment, the landlord files an eviction complaint in the county court where the property is located. Filing fees range from $185-$300 depending on the county and amount claimed. The clerk issues a summons to the tenant, who has 5 days (excluding weekends and holidays) to respond after being served.

• Filing fee: $185-$300 depending on county
• Filed in county court where property is located
• Complaint must attach copy of the lease and 3-day notice
• Clerk issues summons to be served on tenant
• Tenant has 5 days (excluding weekends/holidays) to respond

If the tenant files a response, a hearing is scheduled. Florida eviction hearings are expedited and typically set within 5-15 days. If the tenant does not respond within 5 days, the landlord can move for a default judgment, which can be granted within days. Tenants can deposit the disputed rent with the court registry to avoid default.

• Hearing set within 5-15 days of tenant response
• Default judgment if tenant fails to respond within 5 days
• Tenant can deposit disputed rent with court registry
• Both parties present evidence at the hearing
• Judge typically rules same day or within a few days

If the court rules in the landlord's favor, a Final Judgment for possession is entered. The judgment may include past-due rent, court costs, and attorney fees. Florida does not have a statutory redemption period after judgment, meaning the tenant cannot stop the eviction by paying after judgment is entered.

• Final Judgment includes possession, rent owed, and costs
• No statutory right to redeem after judgment in Florida
• Attorney fees may be awarded if lease provides for them
• Judgment can be appealed but does not stay execution without bond

After the Final Judgment, the clerk issues a Writ of Possession. The sheriff posts the writ on the property, giving the tenant 24 hours to vacate. If the tenant remains after 24 hours, the sheriff returns to physically remove the tenant. Florida's 24-hour writ period is among the shortest in the nation.

• Writ of Possession issued by clerk after judgment
• Sheriff posts writ giving 24 hours to vacate
• Physical removal by sheriff after 24 hours if needed
• Landlord can change locks after sheriff executes writ
• One of the shortest writ periods in the US