National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Florida?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

A typical uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Florida takes about 3 to 4 weeks.

From our Florida guide: “Uncontested nonpayment cases commonly finish in three to four weeks.”

If the tenant contests: 6 to 10 weeks if contested or a heavy docket.

The Florida eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    5 to 6 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    3 business days (about 5 to 6 calendar days)

    From our guide: “Three-day notice: 3 business days (5 to 6 calendar days)”

  2. 2Court case

    9 to 14 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Filed and served in 2-7 days; answer due in 5 business days

    From our guide: “Filing and service: 2 to 7 days” and “Answer and registry deposit: 5 business days”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    3 to 8 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Writ issues 2-7 days after judgment, plus 24-hour notice

    From our guide: “Writ of possession and sheriff notice: 2 to 7 days plus 24 hours”

What can slow it down

  • A tenant who answers with any defense besides nonpayment must deposit the accrued rent into the court registry or lose that defense, which is why most Florida cases never reach a hearing.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Florida eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Florida scores 10 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (most landlord-friendly).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Florida attorney before acting.