Eviction Lawyer Saint Lucie County, FL
Saint Lucie County Eviction Lawyer
Understanding local eviction laws is crucial for landlords managing rental properties in Saint Lucie County, FL. The eviction process can become complex, especially when disputes arise between landlords and tenants. At Kelley, Grant & Tanis Law, we handle cases involving non-payment, lease violations, and other eviction-related legal issues.
If you’re facing difficulties with a tenant, it’s important to engage with a Saint Lucie County eviction lawyer who can guide you through the process. Having knowledgeable legal support ensures that you follow the correct procedures and protect your rights as a landlord.
Although there are many websites and services which promise to file an eviction on your behalf for a very low fee, these services are very limited in what they can do under Florida law. They can help you only if the eviction is uncontested. They are not run by attorneys and they cannot give you legal advice. These services merely help fill out forms on your behalf. If any problems develop, such as the tenant disputing your eviction, you will not be able to continue using their services. You will have to continue the litigation on your own or pay more money to hire an attorney.
Our firm not only files all of the eviction pleadings on your behalf, but we also represent you at any mandatory mediations and hearings. This can become even more important if you happen to live out of state or out of county and own property locally. With a licensed attorney representing you, you never have to face the tenant.
Get legal help! Call our law offices today at 1-877-871-8300.
Steps of the Uncontested Eviction Process:
- Posting of three day notice or seven day notice
- Wait 3 or 7 days, not including weekends and holidays
- Filing of Eviction Lawsuit with the County Court
- Serve tenant with summons
- Wait 5 days
- If tenant does not answer, file Request for Default
- Clerk’s default
- Filing for Final Judgment of Eviction with Judge
- If tenant is still on the property, get writ of possession
- Writ of Possession issued
- Scheduling removal of tenant with Sheriff
The Contested Eviction Process:
The tenant has 5 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and Legal Holidays) to file an answer to a landlord’s complaint. If the tenant files an answer to your complaint, the eviction becomes contested. An answer can be any type of response, even a handwritten note from the tenant to the Judge. If an answer has been submitted it is strongly advised that you retain an attorney.
After filing an answer, the case can take many unpredictable turns, depending on what the tenant said in the answer. This can lead to protracted litigation, hearings, mediation, and even trial. An attorney can help you navigate through this process and avoid the countless legal pitfalls that you may encounter. This is especially true if the tenant has paid representation or legal aid.
If you don’t have an attorney you risk losing out on rent and damages that may be due to you. In addition, you may end up having your case dismissed and having a tenant living in your property for free.
Get legal help! Call our law offices today at 1-877-871-8300.
This information applies to an uncontested tenant eviction for possession only.
Generally, an uncontested eviction can take 4 to 5 weeks to complete. Depending on the circumstances of your case, this period may be longer or shorter.
FEES & COSTS
ONE TENANT | TWO TENANTS | THREE TENANTS | |
---|---|---|---|
Court Filing Fee |
$190.00 |
$190.00 |
$190.00 |
Summons |
$10.00 |
$20.00 |
$30.00 |
Process Server |
$40.00 |
$80.00 |
$120.00 |
Attorney Fees |
$295.00 |
$295.00 |
$295.00 |
Total Cost |
$535.00 |
$585.00 |
$635.00 |
Optional Services
- Upon retaining us for your eviction, we will send you a Three-Day Notice and helpful checklist at no extra cost. A fee of $80 will be charged if you would like the Firm to draft and serve a Three Day Notice or Thirty Day Notice on your tenant.
- If you choose to sue for back-rent or damage to the Premises, please contact us to discuss fees and costs.
- If this becomes a Contested Eviction Process, applicable Attorney Fees and other costs will apply.
Refund Policy
In the event that the Tenant pays or leaves within the three-day or seven-day notice period, prior to the filing of the case with the Court, then the entire amount of attorney fees is refundable less $150.00 for pre-suit legal advice. Any incurred costs for preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I do if my tenant has not paid the rent?The tenant must be served with a three-day notice demanding that the rent be paid or the tenant surrender possession of the premises within three days (excluding the day of service, weekends and holidays), unless the lease gives a different timeframe.
- How do I evict a month to month tenant?You must serve the tenant with a notice stating that the month-to-month tenancy is terminated and demanding that the tenant surrender possession at the end of the monthly period. The notice must be served at least fifteen (15) days before the end of the monthly period, and the termination date on the notice must be the last day of a monthly period.
- My tenant has failed to comply with the terms of the lease, other than non-payment of rent, and I want to evict. What can I do?If the tenant has failed to comply with material provisions of the lease, or reasonable rules and regulations governed by the Florida Statutes then the law states:
If the non-compliance is such that the tenant should be given an opportunity to cure the non-compliance, the landlord must serve the tenant with a seven day notice to cure or vacate, stating the non-compliance, and stating that the tenant has seven days to correct the non-compliance or else the lease is deemed terminated and the tenant shall vacate upon such termination. Examples of such non-compliance include but are not limited to, unauthorized guests, pets or vehicles; failing to keep the premises clean and sanitary; disturbance of other tenants by loud noises. In addition, the notice should state that if the tenant repeats the same conduct or conduct of a similar nature within twelve months, the tenancy is subject to termination without a further opportunity to cure.
- How do I serve a three-day notice, a seven-day notice or any of the other required notices?You may serve the notice yourself, or have it served by a process server that works with our firm. It is best to use a licensed process server since it eliminates mistakes and the process server will be perceived by the court as an impartial party with no stake in the matter. If you do it yourself, it’s best to have some proof that you served the notice.
- I posted a three-day notice, but the time has expired and the tenant has not paid nor vacated the premises. What happens next?
- After the period for a notice has expired, you should have an attorney file a Complaint for Removal of tenant which is served with a Summons on the tenant by the Sheriff or by a certified process server.
- The tenant has five days, excluding the day of service, weekends and holidays, to file an answer.
- If an answer is filed by the tenant, a hearing must be scheduled.
- If no answer is filed by the tenant, the attorney submits a Motion For Default, a Non-Military Affidavit, Final Judgment, and Writ of Possession.
- The Clerk enters a Default and the judge reviews the file.
- If everything is in order, the judge signs the Final Judgment.
- The file is sent back to the Clerk’s office and the Clerk’s office issues a Writ of Possession which is then sent to the Sheriff.
- The Sheriff then posts a twenty-four hour notice on the premises.
- The Sheriff will then call the landlord or the landlord’s designated agent to inquire whether the tenant has vacated the premises. If the tenant has not vacated, the sheriff will accompany the landlord at a specified date and time, to keep the peace.
- With the Sheriff present, the landlord may remove the tenant’s personal belongings from the premises.
- Can I remove a tenant myself?No, you must follow the steps outlined by the Florida Statutes, which prohibit the landlord from directly or indirectly terminating or interrupting any utility service furnished the tenant, including but not limited to, water, heat, light, electricity, gas, elevator, garbage collection or refrigeration, whether or not the utility service is under the control of or payment is made by the landlord.
You also cannot prevent the tenant from gaining reasonable access to the premises by any means such as changing the locks. You may not remove the tenant’s personal belongings from the premises unless it is after the tenant surrendered possession of the premises; after the tenant has abandoned the premises; or after a lawful eviction.
If you violate any of the above, you may be liable to the tenant for damages or three months rent, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney’s fees.
- How long will it take to evict a non-paying tenant?The time required to evict a non-paying tenant in an uncontested eviction action can range from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the particulars of the case and the Court’s busy schedule.
- What is the difference between an uncontested eviction and a contested eviction?Uncontested means the tenant does not dispute the eviction. If the tenant disputes the eviction and files any sort of answer, the eviction becomes contested. For example, if you sue to evict a tenant for nonpayment of rent and the tenant writes a letter to the court stating that he or she sent you the check, it becomes contested.
- I want to sue for back rent. What do I need to do?Keep in mind that it’s sometimes difficult to collect judgments against tenants. However, if you decide to sue for unpaid rent, add a count to your Complaint for unpaid rent. If the tenant does not dispute the amount of rent due, the Court will also issue a judgment for the amount of rent demanded in the Complaint.
Saint Lucie County Eviction Process
Before proceeding with an eviction in Saint Lucie County, landlords should be familiar with the legal grounds required to support their case effectively.
Legal Grounds for Eviction
Landlords in Saint Lucie County have the legal right to evict tenants for several reasons, including non-payment of rent, violating lease agreements, or engaging in illegal activities on the property. A clear and legally binding lease is essential to protect your rights. If a tenant violates the lease, seeking legal guidance early can help resolve the issue efficiently.
Initial Steps in the Eviction Process
Evictions in Saint Lucie County can be classified as uncontested or contested. The process for each type differs, and understanding these steps is crucial for landlords.
Uncontested
An uncontested eviction occurs when the tenant does not challenge the notice. The landlord must serve formal notice to the tenant, outlining the reason for eviction, such as unpaid rent or breach of lease terms. If the tenant vacates the property as requested, the process concludes without requiring court intervention.
Contested
In a contested eviction, the tenant disputes the eviction notice or refuses to vacate. This scenario often leads to legal proceedings where the landlord must present evidence, such as lease violations or unpaid rent, to support the eviction. Having a Saint Lucie County eviction attorney is crucial to navigate this legal complexity and safeguarding your property rights.
Benefits of Professional Legal Representation
Legal representation can significantly improve the likelihood of a successful eviction. Here’s how:
- Local Knowledge: An attorney familiar with Saint Lucie County’s specific eviction laws ensures compliance at every step.
- Accurate Documentation: Properly prepared and filed legal documents prevent delays or mistakes in the process.
- Strategic Negotiation: Attorneys can negotiate settlements, potentially avoiding lengthy court cases.
How Our Saint Lucie County Eviction Lawyers Can Help
Managing an eviction can be overwhelming, but our experienced legal team offers the following benefits:
- Complete Case Management: We handle everything, from issuing notices to representing you in court, streamlining the process for you.
- Custom Legal Solutions: Our approach is tailored to the unique circumstances of your case, ensuring the best outcome.
- Ongoing Communication: We keep you informed throughout the process with clear updates.
- Effective Court Representation: If your case goes to court, our attorneys will advocate for your rights and interests.
Choose Kelley, Grant & Tanis Law for Your Saint Lucie County Eviction Case
Choosing the right legal team is essential when dealing with an eviction case. At Kelley, Grant & Tanis Law, we bring extensive knowledge of Saint Lucie County’s eviction process, and we are dedicated to protecting your property rights. Contact us at 1-877-871-8300 to find out how we can assist you.
About Saint Lucie County
Saint Lucie County is part of Florida’s beautiful Treasure Coast, known for its growing communities and diverse real estate opportunities. The area attracts many long-term residents due to its natural beauty and recreational options, such as the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park and the Savannas Preserve State Park. Its proximity to major cities like Port St. Lucie enhances its appeal for property investors and landlords, making legal eviction services a valuable resource in maintaining property investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an uncontested and contested eviction?
An uncontested eviction happens when the tenant does not dispute the eviction notice and vacates as required. A contested eviction occurs when the tenant disputes the notice or refuses to leave, requiring court proceedings. Contested evictions are often more complex and may take longer to resolve.
How do I serve notice to a tenant in Saint Lucie County?
You must serve a written notice to the tenant, explaining the reason for the eviction. This notice must comply with Florida’s legal requirements, and the type of notice depends on the violation, such as non-payment of rent or lease breaches. Ensuring the notice is properly served is critical to the success of the eviction.
Can I evict a tenant for non-payment of rent?
Yes, non-payment of rent is a valid reason for eviction. Once the tenant receives proper notice, they must either pay the rent owed or vacate the property. If the tenant fails to do either, you can file for eviction through the court.
What are the risks of handling an eviction without an attorney?
Without legal representation, you may encounter mistakes in the eviction process, such as improperly filed paperwork, which can delay the case. An attorney ensures that all legal steps are followed correctly, helping to avoid costly errors. Having professional guidance increases your chances of a successful outcome.
How long does the eviction process take in Saint Lucie County?
An uncontested eviction usually takes around four to six weeks, depending on court schedules. Contested evictions can take longer, as they involve additional legal proceedings and negotiations, which can extend the overall timeline.
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