Eviction Defense
Facing Eviction in Florida? Start With the Notice You Received
Eviction notices and court papers create pressure fast. The safest first step is not guessing what the document means. Start by identifying what you received, the date on the document, the date you received it, and whether a court case has already been filed.
Law Offices of Debi Rumph helps Florida tenants understand the stage of the eviction process, organize documents, and evaluate what options may still be available.
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Quick answer If you received a notice, summons, complaint, judgment, or writ of possession, save every document now. Your timeline may already be running. The form at the end of this page helps the firm understand your notice type, county, deadline, and urgency. |
Find Your Eviction Situation
I received a 3-day notice: This usually relates to unpaid rent. Check the amount claimed, the dates, delivery method, and whether charges beyond rent were included.
→ Read the 3-day notice guide
I received a 7-day notice: This usually relates to an alleged lease violation. Some notices give a chance to cure. Others demand that the tenant leave.
→ Understand 7-day notices
I was served with an eviction summons: Court papers mean the case has moved beyond a landlord notice. Response deadlines can be short.
→ Learn what to do after court papers
My landlord says I must leave immediately: A landlord generally cannot remove you without court process. Lockouts, shutoffs, threats, or door removal may raise separate legal issues.
→ See lockout and prohibited practice options
I paid rent but my landlord still filed: Save rent receipts, bank records, ledgers, money orders, screenshots, and messages showing what was paid and when.
→ Review rental payment dispute options
What Happens First in a Florida Eviction
Most eviction situations start with a written notice from the landlord. A notice is not the same as a court summons. Once a summons is served, the process changes and the tenant may need to respond through the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an eviction take in Florida?
It depends on the type of notice and whether the tenant contests the case. After a 3-day or 7-day notice period ends, the landlord can file in court. If they do, you generally have 5 business days to respond. From there, timing depends on the county and whether the case is contested — it can move in a couple of weeks or stretch to a couple of months. See our full breakdown: How Long Does a Florida Eviction Take?
Can an eviction be reversed in Florida?
Sometimes. If a default judgment was entered because you missed a deadline — not because the case was decided on the facts — there may be a limited window to file a motion asking the court to vacate it. This isn't automatic and the window is short, so speed matters more than almost anything else at this stage. If you already have a judgment against you, don't wait to get it reviewed.
What to Gather Before You Contact the Firm
- The notice or court papers you received.
- The date you received them.
- Your lease, if you have one.
- Rent receipts, ledgers, money orders, bank records, or payment screenshots.
- Messages with your landlord or property manager.
- Photos or videos related to repairs, utilities, lockouts, or property conditions.
- The county where the rental property is located.
Received an eviction notice or court papers? Start by sending your notice type, deadline, and county through the form below.
