What Landlords Need to Know About the Eviction Process in Santa Rosa County, FL

Jason McGuire • June 17, 2025

Struggling with tenant issues?

Evictions are never the goal—but sometimes, they’re necessary to protect your investment.

Whether you’re dealing with nonpayment, lease violations, or a tenant refusing to leave, the Florida eviction process can be complex—and costly—if not handled correctly.

Here’s what every landlord in Santa Rosa County should know about eviction laws, timelines, and how a property manager like Clover can help minimize the risk.


Common Legal Reasons for Eviction in Florida


Florida law outlines specific, lawful reasons for filing an eviction. These include:


• Nonpayment of rent
• Violation of lease terms (e.g., unauthorized pets, occupants, property damage)
• Holdover tenants (those who refuse to leave after the lease expires)
• Illegal activity on the property


It’s critical to follow proper notice and documentation procedures—otherwise, your case could be thrown out.


Step-by-Step Overview: Eviction in Santa Rosa County

  1. Issue a Written Notice
  • 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit for unpaid rent
  • 7-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate for lease violations
  • 7- or 15-Day Notice to Vacate for end-of-lease situations
  1. File for Eviction in County Court
    If the notice period expires without resolution, you can file a complaint with the         Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court.
  2. Serve the Tenant
    The tenant must be served with the summons and complaint through the sheriff or process server.
  3. Tenant Response Period
    The tenant has 5 business days to respond. If they don’t, you may request a default judgment.
  4. Court Hearing & Judgment
    If the tenant contests the eviction, a hearing will be scheduled. If the court rules in your favor, a judgment for possession is issued.
  5. Writ of Possession
    The court issues a writ to the sheriff, who posts a 24-hour notice before removing the tenant.

Total Timeframe: Typically 3–6 weeks, though contested cases can take longer.


The Hidden Costs of Eviction

Eviction isn’t just a legal process—it’s a financial drain.
Even if you win your case, you may lose:

• 1–2 months of rent (or more)
• Court and legal filing fees
• Property damage or cleanup costs
• Future rent during vacancy
• Emotional energy and time

That’s why prevention is key—and that’s where we come in.


How Clover Property Management Helps You Avoid Evictions

We don’t just handle evictions—we prevent them.


Our process includes:
• Thorough tenant screening
• Clear lease agreements drafted with local compliance
• Timely rent collection and communication
• Early conflict resolution to protect landlord-tenant relationships
• Legal partnerships with local attorneys when eviction is necessary
• Full eviction handling if needed, from notice to lockout


Our goal is to keep you out of court—and your income on track.


Let Us Handle the Stress So You Don’t Have To

Whether you’re already facing an eviction or want to avoid one in the future, Clover Property Management is here to help.

We manage hundreds of properties across Santa Rosa and Escambia counties—and we do it with legal compliance, experience, and care.


📲 Schedule a free consultation at www.CloverPM.com or call 850-994-1542 to learn more about eviction protections and full-service management.

Managing rentals is our job—protecting your property is our promise.

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