We are always asked how long does Florida’s Eviction Procedure take in Fort Lauderdale or the surrounding Broward County Courts? In a typical Florida lawsuit a Defendant has twenty (20) days to respond to a complaint, however if that complaint is a complaint for Eviction for Possession, the Defendant/Tenant has five (5) business days to respond. The five (5) business days do not include weekends or legal holidays. In addition, the day of service is not included when calculating the five (5) days. Florida Statute 83.21 explicitly states that the landlord, the landlord’s attorney or agent is entitled to the summary procedure as provided in Florida Statute 51.011. This shortened period to answer the complaint in Florida is called Florida’s Eviction Summary Procedure. The reasoning behind this shortened time frame is that time is of the essence in eviction matters. The Tenant/Defendant may be squandering or damaging the residential property and there is a sense of urgency to resolve the matter and remove the Tenant as soon as possible.
Are you a Fort Lauderdale Landlord or Broward County Landlord that needs assistance with Florida’s Eviction Summary Procedure? Do you need to have your Fort Lauderdale Tenant or Broward County Tenant removed ASAP? Call the experienced and knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale Eviction Lawyers @ 954 Eviction Attorneys, PLLC today @ (954) 323-2529. We represent Landlords and Tenants in Fort Lauderdale and Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
