🌊 Florida Tenant Answer to Eviction Petition
5-Day Response Deadline — File With Court, Not Landlord
Florida Tenants Have 5 Business Days to Respond: When a Florida landlord files an eviction complaint, the tenant receives a summons requiring a written Answer within 5 business days. Failure to respond results in a default judgment — automatic eviction without a hearing. This form helps tenants respond properly and assert their legal defenses.
👤 Case Information
⚖ Defense(s) Asserted
✏️ Tenant Signature
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Florida tenants who receive an eviction summons must file a written Answer with the court within 5 business days of receiving the summons (not 5 calendar days). The Answer must be filed with the court clerk — mailing it to the landlord alone is not sufficient.
Critical: Deposit Into Court Registry
For nonpayment evictions, the tenant must deposit any unpaid rent into the court registry when filing the Answer. Failure to deposit the rent amount allows the landlord to obtain an immediate default judgment even if the tenant filed an Answer. This is one of the most important rules in Florida eviction defense.
Available Defenses
Common defenses include: rent was paid, the 3-Day Notice was defective (wrong amount, improper service), the landlord failed to maintain habitable conditions, or the eviction is retaliation for reporting code violations to authorities.
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⚖ Legal Disclaimer
These forms are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. FCRA requirements are complex and strictly enforced — violations carry statutory damages of $100–$1,000 per violation plus actual damages and attorney fees. Fair Housing law prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics. Apply screening criteria consistently to all applicants. Consult a qualified attorney before making screening decisions. See our editorial standards for accuracy details.
