Being a landlord in Florida comes with a long list of responsibilities—and sometimes, that includes having to start the Florida eviction notice process. It’s not something anyone looks forward to, but if your tenant stops paying rent, breaks the lease, or you simply need to end a month-to-month arrangement, you’ll need to take the right legal steps.
That starts with serving the correct Florida eviction notice.
But here’s the catch: Florida has three main types of eviction notices—the 3-day, 7-day, and 15-day notices—and each one is used for a different reason. Serve the wrong one or fill it out incorrectly, and your eviction could be delayed—or even dismissed entirely.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what each Florida eviction notice means, when to use it, and how to do it the right way. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or you’ve been managing properties for years, this breakdown will give you the clarity you need.
What Is an Eviction Notice?
An eviction notice is the official way to tell your tenant that something needs to change—whether it’s unpaid rent, a lease violation, or just time to part ways. It’s the first step in the legal eviction process and must follow Florida landlord-tenant law exactly.
Think of it as your formal warning. It gives your tenant a chance to either fix the issue, leave the property, or prepare for a legal proceeding.
1. The 3-Day Notice: When Rent Isn’t Paid
Let’s start with the most common one—the 3-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate.
When to Use:
You use this when a tenant hasn’t paid rent on time. Florida law says that once rent is due and not paid, you can issue this notice.
What It Includes:
- The exact amount of unpaid rent
- The address of the property
- A statement giving the tenant three business days to either pay or move out
(Weekends and legal holidays don’t count.)
Example Scenario:
Let’s say rent is due on the 1st and you don’t receive it. You give your tenant until the 4th, excluding any weekends or holidays, to pay up or leave.
What Happens Next:
If the tenant pays within those 3 days, the issue is resolved.
If they don’t respond, you can legally file an eviction lawsuit with the court.
2. The 7-Day Notice: Lease Violations
Not all issues are about rent. Maybe your tenant has unauthorized pets, is disturbing the neighbors, or has damaged the property. That’s where the 7-day notice comes in.
There are two versions of this notice:
a. 7-Day Notice With Cure (Fixable Problems)
Use this when the problem can be fixed.
Examples:
- Keeping a pet when the lease prohibits it
- Too much noise
- Failing to keep the unit clean or safe
The notice tells the tenant:
“You have 7 days to correct this issue—or you may be evicted.”
If they fix it in time, they can stay. If not, you move to the next step.
b. 7-Day Notice Without Cure (Serious or Repeated Issues)
Use this when the behavior is too serious or illegal to allow a second chance.
Examples:
- Repeated lease violations (after previous warnings)
- Criminal activity
- Intentional property damage
- Threatening behavior toward others
This version says:
“You have 7 days to leave. No option to correct this.”
If the tenant doesn’t vacate, you can proceed to eviction.
3. The 15-Day Notice: Ending Month-to-Month Rentals
Sometimes, you’re not dealing with a problem tenant—you just want to end a month-to-month agreement. Maybe you’re selling the property or no longer want to rent it out. That’s where the 15-day notice comes in.
When to Use:
This notice is for terminating a month-to-month tenancy—no violations or missed rent involved.
How It Works:
You must give at least 15 days’ notice before the end of the monthly rental period.
Example:
If rent is due on the 1st, you’d need to serve this notice by the 15th of the prior month.
No explanation is needed, and the tenant doesn’t have to be at fault.
Why Serving the Right Notice Matters
Eviction isn’t just about handing someone a piece of paper. It’s a legal process, and the rules in Florida are strict. If you serve the wrong notice—or fill it out incorrectly—your entire case can be dismissed. That means starting from scratch, wasting time, and losing money.
By understanding the differences between these notices, you’re already ahead of the curve.
Quick Recap: Which Notice Do You Need?
| Situation | Use This Notice |
| Tenant hasn’t paid rent | 3-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate |
| Tenant broke the lease but can fix it | 7-Day Notice With Cure |
| Tenant broke the lease in a serious way | 7-Day Notice Without Cure |
| Ending a month-to-month lease | 15-Day Notice to Terminate |
FAQs About Florida Eviction Notices
Q: What is a 3-day eviction notice in Florida?
A 3-day notice is given when a tenant fails to pay rent. It gives them three business days to pay the rent or move out before the landlord can begin legal eviction proceedings.
Q: Can I email or text an eviction notice in Florida?
No. Florida law requires that eviction notices be served in person, by mail, or posted on the rental unit’s door. Email or text is not legally valid as official notice.
Q: What happens after I serve an eviction notice?
If the tenant doesn’t comply within the notice period, you can file an eviction lawsuit (also called an “unlawful detainer”) through the county court. A judge will then decide the outcome.
Q: Can I give a 15-day notice in the middle of the month?
Yes, but the notice must take effect at the end of the monthly rental period. So if rent is due on the 1st, the 15-day notice must be given before the 15th of the previous month.
Q: What is the difference between a 7-day notice with cure and without cure?
A 7-day notice with cure gives the tenant a chance to fix the problem (like noise or cleanliness). A notice without cure is used for severe or repeated violations and requires the tenant to vacate without the option to correct the behavior.
Q: What if the tenant refuses to leave after the notice period?
You cannot force them out yourself. You must file an eviction lawsuit and wait for a court order before the sheriff can legally remove the tenant.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different eviction notices in Florida can save you from costly mistakes and legal delays. Whether it’s unpaid rent, repeated lease violations, or simply ending a month-to-month rental, knowing when to use a 3-day, 7-day, or 15-day notice is crucial for staying compliant and protecting your investment.
Need help? Don’t go through the eviction process alone. Our professional eviction services ensure you follow the law and take the right steps—so you can move forward confidently.
📞 Contact us today to get expert guidance or have your notice served correctly.