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Free Florida Eviction Complaint (Lease Violation)

Florida Eviction Complaint (Lease Violation) — Initiates a Florida eviction for a lease violation other than nonpayment, after a 7-day notice has expired. Filed by the landlord in county court. Conform to Florida County Court rules and F.S. § 83.56(2).

Eviction (Lease Violation) F.S. § 83.56(2) Florida Free PDF
Updated Q2 2026 By Tenant Screening Background Check Editorial Team Reviewed for Florida ~7 min read

A Florida eviction complaint for a lease violation is filed when a tenant breaches the lease for a reason other than nonpayment of rent. Under F.S. § 83.56(2), the landlord must first serve either a 7-day notice to cure (for curable violations) or a 7-day unconditional quit notice (for non-curable or repeat violations). After the notice expires without cure, the landlord files the complaint for possession under F.S. § 83.59 in the county court where the property sits. The complaint must attach the lease and the notice and describe the violation. The tenant has 5 business days to respond after service. This form does not replace the official court forms or legal advice.

Florida Eviction (Lease Violation) at a Glance

Statute

F.S. § 83.56(2)

Court

Florida County Court

Filed by

Landlord / Attorney

Authority

F.S. § 83.56(2)

Florida note: Court forms must conform to the rules of Florida County Court and the applicable statute (F.S. § 83.56(2)). Filing requirements, formatting, fees, and service rules vary by court and change over time. This worksheet helps organize the required information; it is not a substitute for the official court forms or for legal advice. When in doubt, consult an attorney or the court clerk.

This is a legal filing — conform to local court rules

Court forms must conform to the rules of Florida County Court and the applicable statute (F.S. § 83.56(2)). Filing requirements, formatting, fees, and service rules vary by court and change over time. This worksheet helps organize the required information; it is not a substitute for the official court forms or for legal advice. When in doubt, consult an attorney or the court clerk.

How to Use the Florida Eviction (Lease Violation)

Florida Playbook

Identify when the disclosure is required

Confirm the prerequisite is met: a valid Florida 7-day notice to cure or 7-day unconditional quit notice under F.S. § 83.56(2) has been served and expired without cure.

Prepare the notice

Gather the underlying documents: lease, the notice served and proof of its service, and a rent ledger if applicable.

Provide the disclosure

Complete this worksheet with the parties, property, grounds, notice details, and relief sought.

Follow statutory timeline

Transfer the information to the official Florida County Court form(s); pay the filing fee and file in the correct court/precinct.

Document the process

Arrange proper service of process on the tenant and file proof of service. Appear at the hearing.

Generate the Florida Form

Complete the fields below to generate a Florida eviction complaint for lease violation. Service should comply with per F.S. § 83.56(2) and Florida County Court rules; retain proof of delivery.

Purpose

Initiates a Florida eviction for a lease violation other than nonpayment, after a 7-day notice has expired. Filed by the landlord in county court.

1. Parties & Property

From (Landlord / Property Manager)

To (Tenant)

2. Filing Information

3. Notice Content

4. Signature

About This Florida Form

A Florida eviction complaint for a lease violation is filed when a tenant breaches the lease for a reason other than nonpayment of rent. Under F.S. § 83.56(2), the landlord must first serve either a 7-day notice to cure (for curable violations) or a 7-day unconditional quit notice (for non-curable or repeat violations). After the notice expires without cure, the landlord files the complaint for possession under F.S. § 83.59 in the county court where the property sits. The complaint must attach the lease and the notice and describe the violation. The tenant has 5 business days to respond after service. This form does not replace the official court forms or legal advice.

Florida Statutory Requirements

  • F.S. § 83.56(2) governs the filing
  • Valid predicate: a valid Florida 7-day notice to cure or 7-day unconditional quit notice under F.S. § 83.56(2) has been served and expired without cure
  • Correct court / venue
  • Complete petition/complaint contents
  • Proper service of process with proof filed
  • Filing fee paid

Delivery Methods

  • File with the court clerk (e-file where required)
  • Serve the opposing party per the applicable service rule
  • File proof of service with the court
  • Keep stamped copies of everything filed

Common Mistakes

  • Filing before the predicate notice has expired
  • Defective or improperly served notice
  • Wrong court or precinct
  • Incomplete description of premises or grounds
  • Improper service of process
  • Using self-help instead of the court process

Best Practices

  • Confirm the predicate is satisfied (a valid Florida 7-day notice to cure or 7-day unconditional quit notice under F.S. § 83.56(2) has been served and expired without cure)
  • Attach the lease and the served notice
  • File in the correct court/precinct
  • Describe parties, premises, and grounds precisely
  • Effect proper service and file proof
  • Never use self-help eviction
  • Consult counsel for contested cases

Bottom line

A Florida eviction complaint for lease violation must rest on a valid predicate (a valid Florida 7-day notice to cure or 7-day unconditional quit notice under F.S. § 83.56(2) has been served and expired without cure) and conform to F.S. § 83.56(2) and Florida County Court’s rules. Proper notice and proper service are the most common failure points. This worksheet organizes the required information but does not replace the official court forms or legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Florida eviction complaint for lease violation?

Initiates a Florida eviction for a lease violation other than nonpayment, after a 7-day notice has expired. Filed by the landlord in county court.

What must happen before filing?

The predicate must be satisfied: a valid Florida 7-day notice to cure or 7-day unconditional quit notice under F.S. § 83.56(2) has been served and expired without cure. The matter proceeds under F.S. § 83.56(2) in Florida County Court.

Which court handles this?

Florida County Court, under F.S. § 83.56(2). File in the court for the location where the property sits.

Can I use this instead of the official court form?

No. This is an organizing worksheet. The official Florida County Court form(s) and current local rules control. Use this to prepare, then complete the official forms.

What is the most common mistake?

Filing before the notice has expired, or defective/improper service of the notice or process. Both are avoidable with careful attention to dates and service.

Do I need a lawyer?

These proceedings are technical and the stakes are high. While self-representation is allowed, consulting an attorney (or Florida County Court’s self-help center) is strongly recommended, especially if the case is contested.

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Legal Disclaimer: This Florida eviction complaint for lease violation template is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Florida landlord-tenant law (Florida Statutes Section 83.56(2) (noncompliance other than failure to pay rent) and Section 83.59 (right of action for possession); filed after a 7-day cure or 7-day unconditional quit notice) governs the specific notice requirements. State law may change. For Florida guidance, visit leg.state.fl.us. Consult a qualified Florida landlord-tenant attorney before relying on this form.