You Got a 30‑Day Notice, What Happens Next?

Why this matters right now

A 30-day notice in Florida typically ends a month-to-month lease without requiring a reason (per Fla. Stat. § 83.57). For tenants, this can be a scary, confusing, and urgent situation. For landlords, it’s essential to follow legal steps accurately or risk delays or lawsuits. Understanding your timeline and next moves can make all the difference.

How many days do you have after a 30‑Day Notice?

• Tenants receive exactly 30 days from the date of delivery of the notice to vacate. This isn't a rough estimate; it’s the hard deadline.

• Note: Delivery to the tenant counts as day zero, and weekends and holidays are included in the 30 days.

• If you don’t leave by the end of day 30, the landlord may file an eviction case.

What happens during these 30 days?

1. No rent due beyond the period: Once the 30 days expire, you aren’t expected to pay rent past the termination date.

2. Landlord may file for eviction: If you haven’t moved out, the landlord can file a Complaint (also called a summons and complaint) with the county court. This begins the legal process.

3. Defendant’s response window: Once filed, the court sends you a Summons. You generally have 5 business days (excluding weekends and Florida legal holidays) to file a written Answer or move out.

4. Court hearing: If you respond, you’ll likely receive a hearing date. At that hearing, both sides presented evidence. If you don’t respond, the landlord may win by default.

5. Writ of Possession: After a judgment for eviction is issued, the court will typically issue a Writ of Possession. The sheriff posts it on your door, and you'll normally have 24 hours or two nights to leave. Then, law enforcement may remove you and your belongings, legally.

Your 3 Best Steps Right Now

What if the tenant doesn’t pay rent or breaks the lease before this?

Florida law allows special notice types:

• 3‑day notice to pay rent or vacate if rent is overdue, excluding weekends and holidays.

• 7‑day “notice to cure” for lease violations that can be fixed, or 7‑day “unconditional quit” notice for serious or repeated violations.

These are faster eviction triggers, but a 30‑day notice is different: it’s usually for ending a tenancy without cause when everything else is met.

Not sure which notice you actually received? This 3-day vs. 30-day comparison breaks it down clearly.

Why it matters

• For tenants: Knowing your exact timeline can reduce stress, and responding, even with a simple form or request for time, can delay or change outcomes.

• For landlords: Serving the correct notice prevents illegal eviction claims and legal setbacks.

• For both sides: Understanding rights and deadlines empowers you; confusion often leads to missed deadlines or unnecessary court action.

Final Thoughts

A 30‑day notice isn’t the end; it’s the start of a legal timeline. Whether you’re a tenant or landlord in Florida:

• Counts matter, deliver and schedule correctly.

• Deadlines are enforceable; missing them can shift your position.

• Legal tools exist to contest or negotiate even after notice.

How Eviction Assistant from Goat Answer helps

Eviction Assistant is a free AI‑powered tool that walks you through these steps in plain language. It tailors advice to your role and situation, whether you’ve just received that 30‑day notice or you're a landlord drafting it. It explains the steps, deadlines, defenses, and forms for Florida evictions. Use it to:

• Understand what type of notice applies to you

• Track your exact eviction timeline

• Get guidance on how to respond (Answer, negotiate, or move)

If you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed, Eviction Assistant can simplify the process: no legal jargon, just clear, actionable information so you can feel confident about your next step.