Current COVID-19 Eviction Protections for Florida Renters

If you are renting a home or apartment in Florida and are facing eviction or financial hardship, it's crucial to understand what COVID-19 eviction protections are still in effect. COVID-19 policies have shifted over time, and many federal and state protections have expired. However, some options for renters remain, and it's vital to know your rights and the proper procedures for eviction in Florida.

Are COVID-19 Eviction Protections Still in Effect in Florida?

As of 2024, Florida does not have statewide COVID-19 eviction moratoriums in place. Most federal and state pandemic-era protections, such as the CDC eviction moratorium, have ended. However, renters still have important rights under general Florida landlord-tenant laws, and some local assistance programs or temporary orders may still impact specific cases.

The process and requirements for eviction in Florida must follow the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1] Any eviction, including those related to nonpayment during or after COVID-19, must adhere to these rules.

Florida Eviction Process and COVID-19 Hardship

Even without a blanket eviction moratorium, Florida law requires landlords to follow a legal eviction process. If you missed rent because of a COVID-related hardship, you may still benefit from the notice and procedure rules outlined by the law.

Key Steps in the Florida Eviction Process

• Notice Required: Landlords must provide a written notice before starting an eviction. For unpaid rent, this is typically a three-day notice to pay rent or move out.
• Court Filing: If the notice period ends and rent is still unpaid, the landlord files an eviction lawsuit with the county court.
• Court Summons and Complaint: You will receive official court documents and a window (often 5 business days) to respond.
• Hearing and Decision: If you respond on time, you can state your case at a court hearing. If not, the landlord may get a default judgment.
• Final Judgment and Removal: Only a court order and the sheriff can legally remove you from the property.

This process must be followed even if your missed rent payments happened during a COVID-19 hardship.

COVID Rental Assistance and Payment Plans

• Florida Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) concluded in 2023, but some counties or cities may still offer local relief funds or payment plans. Always ask your landlord or local public assistance office for information on current resources.
• Some landlords may voluntarily work with tenants on payment plans for late rent related to COVID-19. Be sure to get any agreement in writing.

Important Florida Eviction Forms for Renters

• Three-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate: This is the standard notice a landlord must give before filing an eviction for unpaid rent. This is not a state-provided form, but the format must comply with Florida Statutes § 83.56.^[2]
  When used: If you receive this notice, it means you have three business days (excluding weekends and holidays) to pay the rent or move out to avoid eviction.
  Example: "You owe $1,200 for June. Pay within three days or vacate."
• Tenant Answer - Eviction Complaint (Form 1.989): This is the official court answer form if your landlord files for eviction.
  When used: If you are served court eviction papers, use this form to explain your side within the deadline (usually 5 days).
  How: File with the clerk of court and serve a copy to your landlord or their attorney.
  View the Tenant Answer — Form 1.989 [PDF] (Florida Courts)
• Motion to Determine Rent (Form 1.923): Lets you ask the court to determine the correct rent to pay into court if you dispute the amount owed.
  When used: If you believe the amount your landlord claims is incorrect, use this alongside your answer.
  Download Motion to Determine Rent – Form 1.923 [PDF]

For more on these or other forms, visit the Florida Courts Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Center.

Who Handles Tenant Disputes and Evictions?

All residential eviction cases in Florida are handled by the Florida State Courts System (usually your local county court). You can find your local court and self-help forms at the official court self-help portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are any COVID-19 eviction bans still active in Florida?
   Most COVID-19 eviction bans have ended. As of 2024, no statewide moratorium exists, but normal landlord-tenant eviction procedures still apply.
2. What should I do if I receive a three-day notice due to COVID-19 hardship?
   Try to pay the full amount within the notice period, negotiate with your landlord, or immediately seek local rental assistance. If you cannot pay or move out, you may face an eviction lawsuit.
3. How do I respond to a court eviction complaint?
   Fill out the Tenant Answer — Form 1.989 within 5 business days and file it with the court, or risk losing by default.
4. Can I be evicted if I am waiting for COVID rental assistance?
   If your local assistance program is still distributing funds, notify your landlord and the court in writing. However, courts are generally moving forward with evictions unless an agreement or payment is reached.
5. Where can I find official Florida eviction and tenant forms?
   Visit the Florida Courts Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Center for all official forms and info.

Key Takeaways

• Most COVID-19 eviction protections have expired in Florida; standard landlord-tenant rules apply.
• If you receive a notice or are facing eviction, respond quickly using official forms and seek local assistance.
• Always check with your county or city for any local emergency rental programs or temporary rules.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Courts Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Center: Official forms, legal help, and guides for renters
• Florida Emergency Rental Assistance Program (archived): Reference for past COVID-19 rental help
• Florida ACCESS Public Assistance Portal: Check for up-to-date rental, food, and financial help
• Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Review your full legal rights as a renter

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1. Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. Chapter 83)
2. Florida Eviction Notice Requirements (Fla. Stat. § 83.56)

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