Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Eviction in Florida
Open-data reference.
Filing a eviction in Florida costs $185–$400 - among the most expensive of the 10 states we track. The typical timeline is Uncontested: 2-3 weeks. Contested: 4-8 weeks., and a mandatory waiting period of 3 days applies before the court can finalize the matter.
Non-payment (3-day notice), lease violation (7-day cure or 7-day termination), end of tenancy (15-60 day notice)
What This Means for Your Eviction Filing in Florida
Filing for eviction in Florida costs $185–$400 at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. $185-$400 in County Court. Sheriff service fee ~$40 per tenant. Beyond the filing fee, a mandatory waiting period of 3 days applies before the court can finalize the matter, and the typical case timeline is Uncontested: 2-3 weeks. Contested: 4-8 weeks.. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Florida lays out 7 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 4 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: standard state residency rules apply. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - Non-payment (3-day notice), lease violation (7-day cure or 7-day termination), end of tenancy (15-60 day notice) (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
$185-$400 in County Court. Sheriff service fee ~$40 per tenant.
How Florida compares to other states
Florida ranks #3 of 10 states for eviction filing cost. Each bar is a state's upper-bound eviction filing fee, from $150 (NC) to $500 (NY); Florida is highlighted at $400.
Source: state court filing-fee schedules (upper-bound fee per state). Verify current amounts with the relevant court. How we calculate this ranking →
Key Requirements
- Serve proper written notice (3, 7, or 15 days depending on reason)
- File complaint in County Court
- Tenant has 5 days to respond (excluding weekends/holidays)
- Default judgment if no answer filed
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Serve written notice (3-day pay-or-quit for non-payment)
- 2
File Complaint for Eviction in County Court
- 3
Sheriff serves tenant with 5-day summons
- 4
If no answer: default judgment
- 5
If answer filed: eviction hearing scheduled
- 6
Writ of Possession issued after judgment
- 7
Sheriff executes eviction (24-hour notice to tenant)
Important Notes
Florida process is relatively landlord-favorable. No statewide rent control.
Grounds / Eligibility
Non-payment (3-day notice), lease violation (7-day cure or 7-day termination), end of tenancy (15-60 day notice)
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- $185–$400
- Waiting Period
- 3 days
- Typical Timeline
- Uncontested: 2-3 weeks. Contested: 4-8 weeks.
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for eviction in Florida?
The filing fee for eviction in Florida is $185–$400. $185-$400 in County Court. Sheriff service fee ~$40 per tenant.
How long does eviction take in Florida?
Uncontested: 2-3 weeks. Contested: 4-8 weeks.
Do I need a lawyer for eviction in Florida?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for eviction in Florida, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Florida resources.
Is there a waiting period for eviction in Florida?
Florida requires a mandatory waiting period of 3 days before the process can be finalized.
Where do I file for eviction in Florida?
Eviction filings in Florida are handled through the state court system. Visit the official court website for county-specific filing locations and current fee schedules.
What documents are needed for eviction in Florida?
Key requirements include: Serve proper written notice (3, 7, or 15 days depending on reason); File complaint in County Court; Tenant has 5 days to respond (excluding weekends/holidays).
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Florida court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |