Free Florida Florida Tenant Answer to Eviction Petition
Florida Tenant Answer to Eviction Petition — Lets a Florida tenant respond to an eviction complaint and assert defenses. Must be filed within 5 business days of service. Conform to Florida County Court rules and F.S. § 83.60.
A Florida tenant answer to an eviction petition is the tenant’s written response to a landlord’s complaint for possession. The tenant must file the answer within 5 business days after being served (excluding the day of service, weekends, and legal holidays). Under F.S. § 83.60, in a nonpayment case the tenant generally must deposit the rent alleged due (or the amount the court determines) into the court registry to be permitted to raise defenses. Defenses may include payment, improper notice, retaliatory conduct (F.S. § 83.64), failure to maintain the premises (F.S. § 83.51), or improper service. Failure to answer and deposit rent can result in a default judgment. This form does not replace the official court forms or legal advice.
Florida Tenant Answer at a Glance
Statute
F.S. § 83.60
Court
Florida County Court
Filed by
Tenant
Authority
F.S. § 83.60
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. § 83.60). 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 Tenant Answer
Identify when the disclosure is required
Confirm you were properly served and note the deadline to respond stated in your court papers.
Prepare the notice
Read the complaint/petition carefully. Identify every allegation you agree or disagree with.
Provide the disclosure
Identify your defenses (improper notice, payment, habitability, retaliation, improper service) and gather evidence.
Follow statutory timeline
Complete the answer worksheet, then transfer the information to the official court answer form for Florida County Court.
Document the process
File by the deadline and appear at every court date. Keep proof of filing and bring your evidence.
Generate the Florida Notice
Complete the fields below to generate a Florida Florida tenant answer to eviction. Service should comply with per F.S. § 83.60 and Florida County Court rules; retain proof of delivery.
Purpose
Lets a Florida tenant respond to an eviction complaint and assert defenses. Must be filed within 5 business days of service.
1. Parties & Property
From (Landlord / Property Manager)
To (Tenant)
2. Filing Information
3. Notice Content
4. Signature
About This Florida Notice
A Florida tenant answer to an eviction petition is the tenant’s written response to a landlord’s complaint for possession. The tenant must file the answer within 5 business days after being served (excluding the day of service, weekends, and legal holidays). Under F.S. § 83.60, in a nonpayment case the tenant generally must deposit the rent alleged due (or the amount the court determines) into the court registry to be permitted to raise defenses. Defenses may include payment, improper notice, retaliatory conduct (F.S. § 83.64), failure to maintain the premises (F.S. § 83.51), or improper service. Failure to answer and deposit rent can result in a default judgment. This form does not replace the official court forms or legal advice.
Florida Statutory Requirements
- F.S. § 83.60 governs the response
- Response deadline stated in your court papers
- Written answer filed with the court
- Appearance at the scheduled court date
- Defenses stated in the answer
- Service on the landlord/attorney as required
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
- Missing the response deadline
- Not appearing at the court date
- Failing to raise available defenses
- No evidence to support defenses
- Filling the worksheet but not the official court form
Best Practices
- Note and meet the response deadline
- Appear at every court date
- Raise every applicable defense
- Gather and organize evidence
- Transfer to the official court form
- Keep proof of filing
- Seek help from a tenant attorney or court help center
Bottom line
A Florida tenant answer to eviction preserves your right to contest the eviction and to a trial. Respond by the deadline and appear in court. Raise every applicable defense. This worksheet organizes your response but does not replace the official court form or legal advice — seek help from Florida County Court’s help center or an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Florida tenant answer to eviction?
Lets a Florida tenant respond to an eviction complaint and assert defenses. Must be filed within 5 business days of service.
What must I do first?
Confirm you were properly served and note your response deadline. The matter proceeds under F.S. § 83.60 in Florida County Court.
Which court handles this?
Florida County Court, under F.S. § 83.60. 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?
Missing the response deadline or failing to appear, which can result in a default judgment. 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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