How Do I Evict a Tenant in Florida

Last Updated: May 27, 2025

Article By: Kim M.

Navigating the eviction process as a landlord or property manager in Florida can feel like walking through a maze, especially when you’re dealing with a challenging tenant situation. We understand how stressful and emotionally taxing it can be to face issues like unpaid rent, property damage, or lease violations. Whether you’re a seasoned property owner or new to the rental game, knowing the legal reasons to evict a tenant in Florida is critical to protecting your investment while staying compliant with state laws. This article will guide you through the valid grounds for eviction, offering clarity, practical steps, and compassionate solutions to help you move forward with confidence.

What Are the Legal Reasons to Evict a Tenant in Florida

Evictions are never pleasant, but they’re sometimes necessary to maintain a safe and functional rental property. In Florida, the eviction process is governed by strict regulations outlined in the Florida Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes). These laws ensure that both landlords and tenants are treated fairly, but they also provide clear pathways for landlords to reclaim their property when tenants violate specific terms. Below, we’ll explore the primary legal reasons for eviction, how to handle them, and what you can do to resolve these issues efficiently. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone—we’re here to empower you with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges.

Understanding Florida’s Eviction Laws

Before diving into the specific reasons for eviction, it’s important to understand the legal framework that governs the process in Florida. The state’s landlord-tenant laws are designed to balance the rights of both parties, ensuring that evictions are carried out for justifiable reasons and with proper notice. According to the Florida Bar, landlords must follow a precise legal process, which includes serving the tenant with proper notice and filing a formal eviction lawsuit (known as an “unlawful detainer” action) if the tenant does not comply (Source: Florida Bar, Landlord/Tenant Law in Florida).

The eviction process typically begins with a written notice to the tenant, specifying the violation and giving them a chance to correct it or vacate the property. The type of notice and timeline depend on the reason for eviction. For example, eviction for nonpayment of rent in Florida requires a three-day notice, while other violations may require a seven-day notice. Failing to follow these legal steps can result in delays or dismissal of the eviction case, so it’s crucial to proceed carefully.

At Florida Offer, our team of real estate professionals has decades of combined experience helping landlords across Tampa, Sarasota, and Clearwater navigate complex tenant issues, including evictions. We’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming these situations can be, whether it’s dealing with unpaid rent or addressing property damage. Our expertise in Florida’s real estate market allows us to provide tailored advice to property owners, helping them resolve disputes efficiently while protecting their financial interests. If you’re considering options like selling your house as is or securing a cash offer on your house, we can guide you through the process with ease.

Legal Grounds for Eviction in Florida

Florida law outlines several specific reasons a landlord can legally evict a tenant. Each ground requires proper documentation, adherence to notice periods, and, in many cases, a court hearing. Below, we’ll break down the most common reasons for eviction, incorporating key issues like lease violation eviction in Florida, illegal activity eviction in Florida, and more, while offering actionable steps to address each situation.

1. Nonpayment of Rent

One of the most common reasons for eviction in Florida is eviction for nonpayment of rent in Florida. When a tenant fails to pay rent on time, landlords have the right to initiate eviction proceedings. Under Florida law, you must provide the tenant with a three-day notice to pay or quit, excluding weekends and legal holidays. This notice informs the tenant that they must pay the overdue rent or vacate the property within three days.

Steps to Handle Nonpayment of Rent:

Serve the Notice Properly: Deliver the three-day notice in person, by mail, or by posting it on the property’s door if the tenant is unavailable.
Document Everything: Keep records of all rent payments (or lack thereof) and copies of the notice served.
File for Eviction: If the tenant doesn’t pay or leave within three days, you can file a complaint in county court to begin the eviction process.

We know how frustrating it can be when a tenant stops paying rent, especially if you rely on that income to cover your mortgage or other expenses. If nonpayment issues persist and you’re considering selling your rental property, companies like Florida Offer can provide a cash offer on your house in areas like Tampa or Bradenton, helping you move on quickly without the hassle of ongoing tenant disputes.

Pro Tip: Always Keep Detailed Records
When dealing with eviction for nonpayment of rent in Florida, maintain thorough documentation of all communication, payment history, and notices served. This can strengthen your case in court and prevent delays.

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2. Lease Violations

Another common reason for eviction is lease violation eviction in Florida. Lease agreements outline the rules tenants must follow, such as restrictions on pets, smoking, or subletting. If a tenant violates these terms, landlords can issue a seven-day notice to cure (for curable violations) or a seven-day notice to vacate (for non-curable violations). Examples of lease violations include unauthorized occupants in Florida or breaking the rental agreement in Florida.

Common Lease Violations:

Unauthorized Occupants: Allowing people not listed on the lease to live in the property.
Pets Without Permission: Keeping pets in a pet-free rental.
Subletting: Renting out the property without the landlord’s consent.

How to Address Lease Violations:

Identify the Violation: Clearly document how the tenant has breached the lease agreement.
Issue the Correct Notice: For curable violations, give the tenant seven days to fix the issue. For non-curable violations, issue a seven-day notice to vacate.
Seek Legal Advice: If the tenant disputes the violation, consult an attorney to ensure compliance with Florida law.

We understand how disheartening it can be to discover that a tenant is disregarding the rules you carefully outlined. At Florida Offer, we’ve helped countless landlords in Sarasota and beyond resolve lease violation issues, whether through eviction or by exploring options like selling the house fast to avoid future headaches.

3. Illegal Activity on the Property

Tenants engaging in illegal activity eviction in Florida is a serious matter that warrants immediate action. Florida law allows landlords to evict tenants who use the property for illegal purposes, such as drug-related activities, theft, or violence. In these cases, you can issue a seven-day notice to vacate without giving the tenant an opportunity to correct the behavior, as illegal activities are considered non-curable violations.

Examples of Illegal Activities:

Drug manufacturing or distribution.
Criminal acts like assault or vandalism.
Operating an illegal business from the property.

Steps to Take:

Gather Evidence: Document the illegal activity with police reports, witness statements, or other evidence.
Serve the Notice: Deliver a seven-day notice to vacate, clearly stating the illegal activity as the reason.
Involve Law Enforcement: If the activity poses an immediate threat, contact the police for assistance.

Pro Tip: Act Quickly on Illegal Activity
For illegal activity eviction in Florida, swift action is critical. Contact law enforcement immediately and consult an attorney to ensure the eviction process is handled legally and efficiently.

Discovering illegal activity on your property can feel like a betrayal, and we empathize with the stress it causes. If you’re in Clearwater and facing this issue, Florida Offer can help you explore solutions, such as selling your home for cash to quickly move past this challenging situation.

4. Property Damage and Health/Safety Violations

Tenants who cause significant property damage eviction in Florida or engage in health and safety violations in Florida can also face eviction. This includes intentional destruction of the property or neglecting maintenance to the point that it creates unsafe living conditions. For example, failure to maintain property in Florida could involve allowing mold to grow or neglecting repairs that endanger other tenants.

Examples of Property Damage or Health/Safety Violations:

Breaking fixtures, walls, or appliances.
Allowing unsanitary conditions, such as garbage buildup.
Tampering with safety features like smoke detectors.

How to Proceed:

Document the Damage: Take photos, gather repair estimates, and note any safety hazards.
Issue a Notice: Provide a seven-day notice to cure for fixable issues or a seven-day notice to vacate for severe damage.
File for Eviction: If the tenant doesn’t comply, proceed with a court filing.

We know how upsetting it is to see your property damaged or neglected. If you’re dealing with these issues and considering selling your rental, Florida Offer can provide a cash buyer for homes in areas like Tampa, helping you avoid costly repairs and ongoing tenant problems.

5. Refusing to Leave After Lease Ends

When a tenant remains on the property after the lease term expires, this is known as refusing to leave after lease ends in Florida. In this situation, the tenant becomes a “holdover tenant,” and landlords can initiate eviction proceedings. Florida law requires a 15-day notice to vacate for month-to-month tenancies or a notice period based on the lease terms for fixed-term leases.

Steps for Holdover Tenants:

Review the Lease: Confirm the lease has expired or been properly terminated.
Serve the Notice: Provide the appropriate notice period (e.g., 15 days for month-to-month tenants).
File in Court: If the tenant doesn’t leave, file an eviction lawsuit.

It’s incredibly frustrating when a tenant overstays their welcome, and we understand how this can disrupt your plans. If you’re in Bradenton and looking to move on from a problematic rental property, Florida Offer can help with options like selling your house for fast cash.

6. Noise Complaints and Nuisance Behavior

Persistent noise complaint eviction in Florida or other nuisance behavior can also be grounds for eviction if it violates the lease or disturbs other tenants. This falls under breaking the rental agreement in Florida and may require a seven-day notice to cure if the behavior can be corrected, or a seven-day notice to vacate for ongoing issues.

Examples of Nuisance Behavior:

Excessive noise, such as loud music or parties.
Disruptive behavior affecting neighbors or other tenants.
Repeated complaints from property management or homeowners’ associations.

How to Handle Nuisance Issues:

Communicate with the Tenant: Address the issue verbally or in writing to see if it can be resolved.
Document Complaints: Keep a log of complaints from neighbors or other tenants.
Issue a Notice: Provide the appropriate notice based on whether the issue is curable.

We recognize how challenging it can be to manage tenant behavior that disrupts your property’s peace. If you’re in Sarasota and considering selling your property to avoid ongoing disputes, Florida Offer specializes in companies buying houses for cash, offering a stress-free solution.

Navigating the Eviction Process with Confidence

The eviction process in Florida can feel daunting, but understanding the legal reasons and steps empowers you to take control. Here’s a quick checklist to guide you through the process:

Identify the Violation: Determine the specific reason for eviction, such as nonpayment of rent or property damage eviction in Florida.
Serve Proper Notice: Use the correct notice period (e.g., three days for nonpayment, seven days for lease violations).
Document Everything: Keep records of notices, communications, and evidence of the violation.
File in Court: If the tenant doesn’t comply, file an eviction lawsuit in your county court.
Seek Professional Help: Consult an attorney or real estate expert to ensure compliance with Florida law.

According to the Florida Department of State, over 20,000 eviction cases are filed annually in the state, highlighting how common these issues are for landlords (Source: Florida Department of State, Court Statistics). Whether you’re dealing with unauthorized occupants in Florida or health and safety violations in Florida, taking prompt and lawful action is key to resolving the situation.

Exploring Alternatives to Eviction

Eviction isn’t always the best or only solution. If you’re facing ongoing tenant issues and the stress of managing a rental property feels overwhelming, you might consider selling your property. At Florida Offer, we specialize in helping landlords sell their house fast in areas like Tampa, Sarasota, and Clearwater. Whether you’re looking for a cash buyer for homes or want to sell your house as is, we can provide a hassle-free solution to move on from problematic tenants.

Alternative Options to Eviction:

Negotiate with the Tenant: Offer a mutual agreement to terminate the lease early.
Mediation: Work with a neutral third party to resolve disputes without going to court.
Sell the Property: Partner with a company that buys houses like Florida Offer to sell your property quickly and avoid future tenant issues.

We know how emotionally and financially draining tenant disputes can be. Our team is here to offer compassionate support and practical solutions, whether you’re navigating an eviction or exploring options like selling your home for cash.

Moving Forward with Empathy and Action

Dealing with tenant issues like lease violation eviction in Florida, illegal activity eviction in Florida, or refusing to leave after lease ends in Florida can feel like an uphill battle. But you don’t have to face it alone. By understanding the legal reasons for eviction and following the proper procedures, you can protect your property and regain peace of mind. At Florida Offer, we’re committed to helping landlords across Florida navigate these challenges with confidence. Whether you’re in Tampa, Sarasota, or Clearwater, our team is ready to assist with eviction guidance or explore options like selling your house for fast cash to move forward on your terms.

We hope this guide has provided clarity and direction for your situation. Evictions are tough, but with the right knowledge and support, you can handle them effectively and compassionately. If you’re ready to take the next step, whether it’s pursuing an eviction or selling your property, Florida Offer is here to help you every step of the way.

This article is based on expert real estate experience and is intended to provide general guidance. For specific financial or legal advice, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional, such as a CPA, attorney, or government official.