When a landlord-tenant dispute escalates to the point of eviction, the legal process becomes technical, time-sensitive, and unforgiving of mistakes. Broward County evictions attorney at Hughes Real Estate Law provides experienced representation for both landlords and tenants navigating Florida’s eviction process. Whether you need to remove a non-paying tenant or you are a renter facing an unlawful eviction, our Fort Lauderdale law firm handles every step — from the initial notice to final judgment. Florida’s eviction statutes under Chapter 83 are notoriously technical. One procedural error can delay the entire process or result in dismissal.
What Is the Eviction Process in Broward County, Florida?
Florida governs residential evictions under Part II of Chapter 83, Florida Statutes, and commercial evictions under Part I. The process follows a strict sequence that must be executed precisely. Courts in Broward County — including the Broward County Clerk of Courts — enforce these rules without exception. Here is the standard eviction timeline in Broward County:
- Serve the Proper Notice — A 3-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate for non-payment, a 7-Day Notice for lease violations, or a 15/30-Day Notice for month-to-month tenancies.
- File the Eviction Complaint — If the tenant does not comply within the notice period, the landlord files a Complaint for Eviction in county court.
- Serve the Tenant — The tenant is served with the summons and complaint. They have 5 business days to respond.
- Obtain a Default or Hearing — If the tenant does not respond, a default judgment is entered. If they contest, the court schedules a hearing.
- Writ of Possession — After judgment in favor of the landlord, the court issues a Writ of Possession, and the sheriff carries out the removal.
Missing any step — or failing to use the correct notice type — can void the entire proceeding and force you to start over. Our landlord-tenant attorneys ensure every step is executed correctly the first time.
Landlord Representation in Broward County Evictions
Landlords dealing with tenants who refuse to pay rent, violate lease terms, or simply refuse to leave need a Broward County evictions attorney who can move quickly and efficiently. At Hughes Real Estate Law, we handle evictions for residential landlords, commercial property owners, and property management companies throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and all of Broward County.
Common reasons landlords need eviction assistance include:
- Non-payment of rent
- Holdover tenancy after lease expiration
- Lease violations — unauthorized occupants, pets, or subletting
- Property damage or nuisance behavior
- Illegal activity on the premises
- Commercial tenant defaults on business lease
We prepare all required notices, file the complaint, appear in court on your behalf, and pursue a Writ of Possession to restore your property as quickly as Florida law allows.
Tenant Defense Against Wrongful Eviction in Broward County
Not every eviction is lawful. Tenants have real rights under Florida law, and landlords who fail to follow proper procedure — or attempt retaliatory or discriminatory evictions — can be held accountable. If you have received an eviction notice or have been served with a complaint, you may have valid defenses. Our firm also represents tenants facing:
- Improper or defective eviction notices
- Retaliatory evictions after complaints about habitability
- Discriminatory evictions based on protected class status
- Self-help evictions — landlord changing locks or shutting off utilities without court order
- Evictions during active lease term without valid cause
Under Florida Statute §83.67, landlords who engage in self-help evictions face liability for actual and consequential damages plus attorney’s fees. If your rights have been violated, contact our office immediately.
Commercial Evictions in Broward County
Commercial lease disputes require a different approach than residential evictions. Commercial tenants typically have fewer statutory protections, but the procedures under Part I of Chapter 83 are equally strict. Business owners and commercial landlords in Broward County real estate litigation matters need counsel who understands commercial lease language, distress for rent procedures, and the timeline pressures unique to business operations. Hughes Real Estate Law handles commercial evictions from lease review through final judgment.
Why Choose Hughes Real Estate Law for Broward County Evictions?
Choosing the right Broward County evictions attorney means working with a firm that handles real estate law exclusively — not a generalist office that dabbles in landlord-tenant matters. At Hughes Real Estate Law, evictions and landlord-tenant disputes are a core part of our Broward County real estate law practice. We know Broward County courts, we know the judges, and we know how to move cases efficiently to protect your property interests.
- Focused real estate practice — every case we handle is a real estate matter
- Both landlord and tenant representation — we understand both sides of the dispute
- Fast turnaround — we move quickly to minimize vacancy and losses
- Transparent flat-fee options — no surprise billing on straightforward eviction cases
- Local Broward County court experience — we know the procedures and the process
FAQs: Evictions in Broward County, Florida
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does an eviction take in Broward County? | An uncontested eviction typically takes 3–5 weeks from notice to Writ of Possession. Contested cases can take 2–3 months or longer depending on court scheduling. |
| Can a landlord evict a tenant without cause in Florida? | For month-to-month tenancies, a landlord can terminate without cause with 15 days notice (residential) or 30 days notice (some commercial). Fixed-term lease tenants generally cannot be evicted without cause during the lease term. |
| What happens if a tenant doesn’t respond to the eviction complaint? | If the tenant fails to respond within 5 business days, the landlord can move for a default judgment. The court will then issue a Writ of Possession without a hearing. |
| Can a landlord change locks or remove belongings to force a tenant out? | No. Self-help evictions are illegal in Florida. A landlord who shuts off utilities or changes locks without a court order faces significant liability under Florida Statute §83.67. |
| Do I need an attorney for a Broward County eviction? | While not legally required, Florida’s eviction statutes are highly technical. A single procedural error — wrong notice, wrong form, wrong timeline — can result in dismissal and force you to restart the process from the beginning. |
| Does Hughes Real Estate Law represent both landlords and tenants? | Yes. We represent both landlords seeking to recover possession of their property and tenants facing wrongful or unlawful eviction in Broward County. |
Local Resources for Broward County Landlords and Tenants
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk of Courts | File eviction complaints, access case records, and track your case status online. |
| Legal Aid Service of Broward County | Free or low-cost legal assistance for qualifying tenants facing eviction in Broward County. |
| Florida Statute Chapter 83 | The governing statute for Florida landlord-tenant law, covering residential and commercial evictions. |
| Broward County Property Appraiser | Property ownership records, homestead information, and parcel data for Broward County. |
If you are a landlord or tenant dealing with an eviction in Broward County, do not wait. Florida’s eviction timelines are strict, and delays can cost you significantly. Contact Hughes Real Estate Law today at (954) 256-5125 to speak with a Broward County evictions attorney or schedule a consultation online.
Ready to Resolve Your Broward County Eviction?
Hughes Real Estate Law handles evictions for landlords and tenants throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and all of Broward County. We move fast and get results.
(954) 256-5125 Contact Us OnlineAbout Hughes Real Estate Law: Hughes Real Estate Law is a Fort Lauderdale real estate law firm serving landlords, tenants, property owners, and investors throughout Broward County and South Florida. From landlord-tenant disputes and real estate litigation to transactional real estate matters, our firm provides focused, results-driven legal counsel. Call (954) 256-5125 or visit our office at 1141 SE 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.