Florida Eviction Laws: Complete Landlord & Tenant Guide

Florida requires specific written notices before eviction can proceed.

• 3-Day Notice: For non-payment of rent (excludes weekends/holidays)
• 7-Day Notice with Cure: For lease violations that can be fixed
• 7-Day Unconditional Quit: For violations that cannot be cured
• 30-Day Notice: to end a month-to-month tenancy, given before the end of a monthly rental period (Fla. Stat. § 83.57(3))
• Notice must be delivered in person, mail, or posted on door
• Must specify exact amount owed for non-payment
• Cannot include late fees in 3-day notice amount

Florida evictions typically take 2-4 weeks for uncontested cases.

• Notice Period: 3-30 days depending on type
• Filing: Immediately after notice expires
• Summons: Tenant has 5 days to respond after service
• Default Judgment: If tenant doesn't respond
• Trial: Scheduled within weeks if tenant contests
• Writ of Possession: Issued after judgment
• Lockout: Sheriff enforces within 24-48 hours of writ
• Total: 2-4 weeks uncontested, 4-8 weeks contested

Florida allows eviction for various reasons without just cause requirement.

• Non-payment of rent
• Violation of lease terms
• Damage to property
• Disturbance of neighbors
• Illegal activity on premises
• Holdover after lease expiration
• End of month-to-month tenancy
• No just cause requirement statewide

Florida tenants have specific protections under state law.

• Security Deposit: No limit. 15 days to return the deposit if no claim is made; a claim needs written notice within 30 days, and the tenant has 15 days to object (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)). Both deadlines run from the termination of the rental agreement (§ 83.49(3)(a)); a date shown here is counted from the move-out date you entered.
• Written Notice: Required for any deposit deductions
• Habitability: Right to safe, sanitary housing
• Repairs: 7 days to fix non-compliance after notice
• Retaliation: Protected from eviction for complaints
• Lockouts: Self-help evictions prohibited
• Discrimination: Fair Housing protections apply

Florida has specific requirements for handling security deposits.

• Deposit amount: no statewide limit
• Must hold in Florida bank or post surety bond
• Written notice of how the deposit is held within 30 days of receipt (landlords renting five or more units, Fla. Stat. § 83.49(2))
• Return: 15 days if no claim; to claim, written notice within 30 days by certified mail or by e-mail under § 83.505
• Itemized list required for any deductions
• Tenant has 15 days to dispute deductions
• Failure to comply: May forfeit right to make claims