Understanding Florida's Public Eviction Records

Yes, eviction records in Florida are public. If you're facing an eviction or worried about how an eviction will affect your future, understanding how these records work is crucial to protecting your rights.

When a landlord files an eviction case against you in Florida, that case becomes part of the public court record. This means future landlords, employers conducting background checks, and anyone searching court records can find it—even if you win your case or the eviction is dismissed.

How Eviction Records Become Public in Florida

Eviction cases in Florida are filed in county court. Once the complaint is filed with the clerk of court, it becomes a public record that anyone can access. The eviction doesn't have to result in a judgment against you for it to appear on your record—the mere filing creates a public document.

These records stay in the court system indefinitely unless sealed by court order, which is extremely rare and difficult to obtain in Florida.

What Shows Up in Your Eviction Record

When someone searches for your eviction history, the public court record will typically show:

• Your name as the defendant
• The landlord's name (plaintiff)
• Property address where you lived
• Case number and date filed
• All court documents, motions, and filings
• The final judgment or outcome
• Any money owed or awarded

Even if your case was dismissed, settled before trial, or ruled in your favor, the record of the eviction filing remains public and can appear on tenant screening reports.

How Eviction Records Affect Your Future

Having an eviction on your record can make it significantly harder to rent in the future. Many landlords and property management companies conduct background checks that include searching court records for eviction history. Even if you were not at fault or successfully defended the case, the filing itself can raise concerns.

An eviction record can result in:

• Rental application denials
• Higher security deposits
• Requirements for co-signers
• Limited housing options
• Difficulty qualifying for certain government assistance programs

Can You Remove an Eviction from Your Record in Florida?

Unfortunately, Florida does not have a standard legal process for sealing or expunging eviction records like it does for certain criminal records. Courts rarely seal eviction cases, and when they do, it typically requires exceptional circumstances and strong legal arguments.

Some tenants have successfully negotiated with landlords to dismiss or withdraw eviction cases before judgment, which can result in a better outcome on their record. However, even dismissed cases often remain visible in public court searches.

How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record?

In Florida's court system, eviction records are maintained indefinitely. This means a case filed years ago can still be found through public record searches.

However, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), tenant screening companies can typically only report eviction judgments for seven years. This means that while the court record remains public forever, it may eventually stop appearing on standard tenant screening reports after seven years.

How to Find Out If You Have an Eviction on Your Record

You can search for eviction cases filed against you by visiting your county clerk of court's office or searching the county court's online records system. Many Florida counties offer free online access where you can search by your name.

You can also request a copy of your tenant screening report from companies that compile rental history to see what potential landlords might see when they run your background check.

Your Rights When Facing an Eviction in Florida

If you're being evicted, you have important legal rights under Florida law:

• Your landlord must provide proper written notice before filing an eviction
• You have the right to respond to the eviction complaint in court
• You can raise defenses such as improper notice, uninhabitable conditions, or retaliation
• You have five business days after being served to file a written response
• You may need to deposit rent into the court registry while fighting the eviction

Many tenants lose eviction cases not because they don't have valid defenses, but because they fail to respond properly or miss critical deadlines. Understanding the process and acting quickly can make the difference between losing your home and successfully defending your case.

Why You Need Legal Help

Florida eviction law is complex, with strict deadlines and procedures. Even small mistakes—like missing the five-day response deadline or failing to deposit rent into the court registry—can result in an automatic judgment against you.

An experienced eviction defense attorney can:

• Review your case for valid defenses
• Ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time
• Calculate the correct amount to deposit into court registry
• Negotiate with your landlord for dismissal or settlement
• Represent you in court hearings
• Help minimize the impact on your rental history