How Much Does It Cost to Evict a Tenant in Florida?

Breaking Down the Costs of Eviction in Florida

The total cost to evict a tenant in Florida typically ranges from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on various factors. These costs include filing fees, sheriff services, legal representation, and other associated expenses. Below, we’ll explore each component in detail to help you anticipate and budget for the process.

1. Eviction Filing Fees in Florida

The first step in the formal eviction process is filing a complaint with the court, which incurs an eviction filing fee in Florida. According to the Pasco County Clerk of Court, the filing fee for a tenant eviction with no damages (non-monetary) is $185. However, fees can vary by county and case type. For example, in Orange County, the filing fee for a county civil eviction is $185, while a circuit civil filing fee can reach $400. If damages (such as unpaid rent) are included in the eviction, the fee may be higher, ranging from $275 to $556 on average, as noted by Steadily.com.

• What to Expect: Filing fees are paid to the county clerk’s office when you submit the eviction complaint. These fees cover the administrative costs of processing your case.
• County Variations: In Tampa or Sarasota, check with your local clerk of court for precise fees, as they can differ slightly.
• Pro Tip: Always verify the current fee with your county’s clerk of court, as fees are subject to legislative changes.

2. Cost of Serving Eviction Notices in Florida

Before filing with the court, you must serve the tenant with a proper eviction notice, such as a 3-day notice for non-payment of rent or a 7-day notice for lease violations. The cost of serving an eviction notice in Florida typically involves hiring a process server or the sheriff’s office to deliver the notice. This service can cost $40 per defendant served, according to the Orange County Clerk’s website.

• Process Server vs. Sheriff: Private process servers may charge slightly more or less than the sheriff, depending on the county and distance traveled.
• Multiple Tenants: If multiple tenants need to be served, the cost increases by $40 per additional person.
• DIY Option: In some cases, landlords can personally deliver certain notices (like a 3-day notice), but this must comply with Florida law to avoid invalidating the eviction.

Serving notices correctly is critical, as errors can delay the process and increase costs. We know how frustrating it can be to deal with legal technicalities, especially when you’re already stressed about the situation. Ensuring proper service from the start can save you time and money.

3. Sheriff Eviction Costs in Florida

If the eviction proceeds to the final stage, where the tenant must be physically removed from the property, the sheriff’s office will handle the process. The sheriff eviction cost in Florida typically includes a service fee for executing the writ of possession. For example, in Escambia County, this fee is approximately $90. In other counties, such as Tampa, this cost may range from $60 to $100, depending on the sheriff’s office policies.

• What’s Involved: The sheriff will post a notice giving the tenant 24 hours to vacate before returning to remove them and their belongings.
• Additional Costs: If the tenant’s possessions need to be stored or removed, you may incur additional fees, which can vary widely.

This final step can feel like a relief, but it’s also a moment to approach with empathy, as tenants may be facing significant challenges. Knowing the sheriff eviction cost in Florida helps you prepare for the full scope of expenses.

4. Legal Fees for Eviction in Florida

Hiring an attorney is often recommended to navigate the complexities of Florida’s eviction laws, especially for contested cases. The legal fees for eviction in Florida can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the case’s complexity and whether it goes to trial. For example:

• Uncontested Evictions: Firms like Andrew Douglas in Broward County offer a flat fee of $525 for straightforward, uncontested evictions, with additional fees of $300 per hearing or trial appearance.
• Contested Evictions: If the tenant disputes the eviction, attorney fees for eviction in Florida can climb to $1,500–$4,000, as noted by sources like evict.com and lexinter.net.
• Flat Fee Options: Some firms, like Shippl Law Office, charge a flat fee of $2,000 for residential evictions, covering non-payment of rent or unlawful detainer cases.

We understand that hiring a lawyer might feel like an added burden when you’re already dealing with a difficult tenant situation. However, a skilled attorney can streamline the process, potentially saving you from costly mistakes. If you’re considering alternatives, such as selling your house for cash to avoid future tenant issues, companies like Florida Offer, which operate as a company that buys houses in areas like St. Petersburg, can provide a hassle-free solution.

5. Court Costs and Additional Fees

Beyond filing fees, other court costs for eviction in Florida may apply, such as:

• Summons Fees: Each summons issued costs around $10, according to Orange County’s fee schedule.
• Motion for Default: If the tenant fails to respond, filing a Motion for Default may cost an additional $90 in some counties.
• Lost Rent: While not a direct court cost, unpaid rent during the eviction process can significantly impact your finances.

For straightforward evictions, the cost to file an unlawful detainer in Florida typically falls between $500 and $1,000 for uncontested cases. However, contested cases or those involving damages can push costs higher. Planning for these expenses can help alleviate some of the financial stress you may be feeling.

6. Exploring Alternatives to Eviction

We know how draining the eviction process can be, both emotionally and financially. Before proceeding, consider whether alternatives might work for your situation. For example:

• Negotiate with the Tenant: Offering a cash-for-keys agreement, where you pay the tenant to vacate voluntarily, can sometimes be cheaper than eviction.
• Mediation: Some counties offer mediation services to resolve disputes without going to court.
• Sell the Property: If managing tenants feels unsustainable, working with home investors or a cash buyer for homes can provide a quick exit. At Florida Offer, we specialize in helping landlords sell their house fast in areas like Tampa and Sarasota. Our we buy houses approach allows you to sell your home for cash, avoiding the ongoing costs and stress of tenant issues.

Exploring these options can feel empowering, as it puts you back in control of your property and finances. If you’re thinking, “I need to sell my house fast,” our team can provide a cash offer on your house to simplify the process.

Eviction Cost Breakdown in Florida

To make this easier, here’s a summarized eviction cost breakdown in Florida for a typical uncontested eviction:

• Filing Fee: $185–$556
• Serving Notice: $40 per tenant
• Sheriff Service: $60–$100
• Attorney Fees: $500–$2,000 (uncontested) or $1,500–$5,000 (contested)
• Summons/Miscellaneous Fees: $10–$90
• Total Estimated Cost: $500–$5,000+

These figures can vary based on your location, the complexity of the case, and whether you hire an attorney. For a more precise estimate, consult your local clerk of court or an eviction attorney in your area.

How to Hire an Eviction Lawyer in Florida

If you decide to hire legal representation, knowing how much it costs to hire an eviction lawyer in Florida is key to budgeting. Here’s a checklist to guide you:

• Research Attorneys: Look for lawyers with experience in landlord-tenant law in your county. Firms in Tampa or Sarasota may offer competitive rates.
• Compare Fees: Request quotes for flat fees versus hourly rates. Flat fees (e.g., $525–$2,000) are often more predictable for uncontested cases.
• Ask About Services: Ensure the attorney handles all aspects, from filing to sheriff coordination, to avoid hidden costs.
• Check Reviews: Look for client testimonials to gauge reliability and professionalism.

Hiring a lawyer can feel daunting, but it’s often a worthwhile investment to ensure the eviction is handled correctly. If the costs feel overwhelming, consider reaching out to companies buying houses for cash, like Florida Offer, to explore selling your property as is and moving on quickly.

Moving Forward with Confidence

We know that evicting a tenant is a challenging and often emotional process. The financial burden, combined with the legal complexities, can make it feel like an uphill battle. By understanding how much it costs to evict a tenant in Florida—from eviction filing fees to sheriff eviction costs and legal fees for eviction in Florida—you can approach the situation with a clear plan. Whether you proceed with eviction or explore alternatives like selling your house for fast cash, you have options to regain control.

At Florida Offer, we’re committed to supporting landlords through every step of their real estate journey. If the eviction process feels like too much, our we buy homes service can provide a stress-free solution. Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore how we can help you sell your home for cash in Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, or beyond. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to provide the guidance and solutions you need to move forward with confidence.

This article is based on expert real estate experience and is intended to provide helpful insights into the eviction process in Florida. For personalized financial or legal advice, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional, such as a CPA, attorney, or government official, to ensure your decisions align with your specific circumstances.