Florida Eviction Laws 2025: Complete Landlord & Tenant Guide
Florida is considered a landlord-friendly state with a relatively efficient eviction process. Understanding the specific legal requirements ensures a smooth and successful eviction.
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Florida Notice Requirements
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
- 15-Day Notice: For month-to-month tenancy termination
- 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 Eviction Timeline
Florida evictions typically take 2-4 weeks for uncontested cases.
- Notice Period: 3-15 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
Grounds for Eviction in Florida
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 Tenant Rights
Florida tenants have specific protections under state law.
- Security Deposit: No state limit, return within 15-60 days
- 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 Security Deposit Rules
Florida has specific requirements for handling security deposits.
- No maximum limit on deposit amount
- Must hold in Florida bank or post surety bond
- Notice required within 30 days of receipt
- Return: 15 days if no deductions, 30 days with claims
- Itemized list required for any deductions
- Tenant has 15 days to dispute deductions
- Failure to comply: May forfeit right to make claims
Frequently Asked Questions
Uncontested Florida evictions typically take 2-4 weeks from notice to lockout. If the tenant contests and requests a trial, the process can take 4-8 weeks. Heavily backlogged counties may take longer.
Yes. Without a written lease, the tenancy is typically considered month-to-month. The landlord can terminate with 15 days written notice. If the tenant doesn't vacate, the landlord can then file for eviction.
If the tenant fails to respond within 5 days of being served, the landlord can request a default judgment. The court will typically grant the eviction, and the sheriff will schedule the lockout.
Filing fees range from $185-$400 depending on the county. Process server costs run $40-100. Attorney fees typically range from $500-2,000 for uncontested cases. Total costs usually range from $300-2,500.
Accepting partial rent during an eviction can waive the eviction and restart the process. Most attorneys advise against accepting any payment once eviction is filed. If you do accept payment, document it carefully and consult an attorney.
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