Landlords in St. Petersburg occasionally face disputes that require formal legal action—especially when tenants fail to pay rent, violate lease terms, or refuse to vacate after notice. Florida law outlines the required process for handling these cases, and any misstep can result in delays or financial loss. Legal counsel can help you navigate those procedures with precision.
Our Law Office Is Ready to Assist
At Kelley, Grant & Tanis Law, we offer legal services to landlords throughout Florida. As active members of the Florida Bar Association, our attorneys assist St. Petersburg property owners with eviction filings, court representation, and lease-related legal issues. Call 877-871-8300 to speak with an attorney today.
Assistance for Owners
Enforcing a lease or recovering possession of a property involves more than serving notice. The courts require proper documentation, correct filing procedures, and timely service. We help landlords avoid mistakes by guiding each step of the process, from preparing notices to coordinating with the court.
Limitations of Document-Preparation Services
Web-based tools may provide templates but fall short when disputes arise. If a tenant contests the eviction, these services offer no courtroom support or legal advice. Our attorneys represent you throughout, helping you avoid procedural errors that could undermine your case.
Representation for Hearings
Whether you live in St. Petersburg or manage the property from outside the region, we represent you in court. We handle document preparation, filing, and hearings so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Legal Protocols for Removing a Tenant in St. Petersburg
Landlords in this area must follow the guidelines in Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes. Eviction filings are submitted through the Pinellas County Clerk of Court, and final enforcement is coordinated with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Grounds for Termination
Legal grounds for eviction include:
The notice period required depends on the issue and ranges from three to thirty days.
Early Steps
If the tenant leaves after receiving a legally sufficient notice, no further legal action may be needed. If not, the landlord must file a complaint and proceed with formal service of process.
Unopposed Eviction Process
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Serve an appropriate notice (Three-Day, Seven-Day, etc.)
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Wait for the designated period to expire
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File an eviction complaint with the Pinellas County Clerk
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Serve the tenant with the summons and complaint
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Request a default judgment if the tenant does not respond
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Obtain a writ of possession
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Coordinate removal through the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Contested Proceedings
If the tenant files an answer or defense, the case may be set for mediation or a hearing. Legal representation is critical at this stage to avoid procedural errors and to ensure your case is properly presented in court.
Why Hire a Lawyer?
An attorney helps with:
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Drafting and serving proper notices
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Filing eviction complaints accurately and promptly
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Representing you in court proceedings
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Addressing tenant defenses or counterclaims
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Reviewing leases to avoid future disputes
How Our St. Petersburg Rental Dispute Team Provides Support
We handle eviction proceedings and lease disputes for landlords throughout the St. Petersburg area. From notice to possession, our team manages the process in full compliance with Florida law. Learn more about our work through our eviction practice page.
St. Petersburg Lease Dispute FAQ
How quickly can I remove a tenant for unpaid rent?
If uncontested, the eviction can be completed in four to six weeks. Contested cases may take longer, depending on court scheduling and tenant responses.
Do I need to notify the tenant before filing an eviction?
Yes, proper notice must be served based on the type of violation. Failing to do so can delay or invalidate the eviction.
Can I include attorney fees in the eviction filing?
If your lease includes a clause for legal fees, they may be recoverable. We’ll help assess whether you’re eligible for reimbursement.
What if the tenant claims discrimination?
Landlords must comply with the Fair Housing Act. We evaluate your lease and history to defend against such claims, if made.
How do I get started?
Contact our office or call 877-871-8300. We’ll review your situation and take steps to begin the legal process.
About St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg’s rental market includes everything from apartments near downtown to single-family homes in neighborhoods like Kenwood and Shore Acres. With a high number of seasonal and long-term tenants, lease enforcement and dispute resolution are common concerns. Legal knowledge of Pinellas County court procedures helps landlords move through the process efficiently.
Need Guidance in St. Petersburg?
Call 877-871-8300 or contact Kelley, Grant & Tanis Law to take the next step in resolving your rental property matter.
