Florida Eviction Laws: Notice Periods and Fraudulent Entry Updates

Florida's eviction landscape remains governed by Chapter 83, Part II of the Florida Statutes, which emphasizes a structured process for property recovery. Recent legislative updates have refined the grounds for eviction, specifically targeting fraudulent entry into rental units, which became effective on October 1, 2026.

Essential compliance reminders for landlords:

• Notice Requirements: For nonpayment of rent, landlords must serve a 3-day notice. For lease violations, a 7-day notice to cure is generally required, unless the violation is non-curable.
• Fraudulent Entry: Under the new § 817.537, entering a unit through fraud is a non-curable violation. Landlords may terminate the agreement immediately upon discovery.
• Prohibited Practices: Landlords are strictly prohibited from using "self-help" evictions, such as utility shutoffs or changing locks, without a court-ordered writ of possession.

When initiating an eviction, it is critical that the notice is posted in a sealed envelope on the property door and delivered according to statutory requirements. Failure to follow these procedural steps can lead to significant delays or legal liability, including potential damages for wrongful eviction. Always ensure that your notice forms are updated to reflect the most current statutory language.