How to Serve Eviction & Lease Termination Notices in Florida

Last Updated: September 5, 2022 by Marnie Snyder

In Florida, in order for the delivery of a lease termination or eviction notice to be legal, certain rules and procedures must be followed. If they are not and the case proceeds to court, the case may be postponed or dismissed by a judge.

Who Can Serve Notices in Florida?

In Florida, landlords can serve eviction notices and lease termination notices themselves. Landlords may choose to hire a sheriff, process server or independent party over eighteen (18) years old to serve an official notice, but they are not required to do so by law.

When Can Notices Be Served in Florida?

In Florida, lease termination and eviction notices can be served immediately on any day of the week and at any time of day.

For a 3 Day Notice to Quit, the eviction notice used for tenants that do not pay rent in full and on time, a landlord can serve notice the day after rent is due. There is no legal grace period for paying rent in Florida. Rent is late starting the day after it’s due.

Acceptable Forms of Service in Florida

A landlord can deliver notices in Florida using any of the below acceptable methods:
[1]

1. Handing the notice to the tenant in person;
2. Handing the notice to a person of suitable age at the property AND mailing the notice by certified or registered mail with a return receipt;
3. Posting the notice in a conspicuous place at the premises, such as the entry door, AND mailing the notice by certified or registered mail with a return receipt.

When sending the notice by certified or registered mail, add five (5) additional calendar days
[2]
to the notice period to account for variability in post office delivery times.

Obtaining Proof of Service in Florida

A landlord can demonstrate proof that a notice was delivered through the following methods:

• Hand Delivery – by completing a Declaration of Service at the time of delivery.
• Certified or Registered Mail – via return receipt and by completing a Declaration of Service at the time of mailing.
• Posting at the Premises – by taking a photograph and completing a Declaration of Service at the time of delivery.

Florida Eviction & Lease Termination Notice Forms