Florida landlords must follow specific rules and procedures when evicting a tenant. The state forbids landlords from taking the law into their own hands. Examples of illegal “self-help” evictions include changing the locks, removing the front door, or turning off the heat or electricity—all of which may be the basis for a tenant suing a landlord. Florida tenants may sue for actual damages or whichever is greater. A tenant may recover court costs and attorney fees.
If you are being wrongfully evicted, your first step should always be to communicate with your landlord. This can be done via phone call, email, or text. If your landlord ignores your requests, you should send written legal notice drafted by an attorney. This written notice is often enough to get your landlord to respond. It also serves a as a necessary form of proof if the dispute ultimately turns into a legal battle.
Tenant’s Clinic and tenantsclinic.com offers affordable, unbundled legal services to tenants who may be having their rights violated by landlords. All of our documents are reviewed by experienced tenant legal representatives and are prepared in accordance with all applicable Florida statutes and Florida Court Rules.
