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What Is a 7 Day Notice in Florida and What Does It Mean For Tenants?
What Is a 7 Day Notice in Florida and What Does It Mean For Tenants?
If you rent a home or apartment in Florida, receiving a 7 Day Notice from your landlord can feel overwhelming. The important thing to know is that a 7 Day Notice is not the same as an eviction. Florida law explains exactly what these notices mean, when landlords can use them, and what your rights are.
There are two types of 7 Day Notices in Florida, and each one has a different legal meaning. Knowing which one you received helps you understand your next steps and how to protect your rights.
The Two Types of 7 Day Notices in Florida
Florida law recognizes two kinds of 7 Day Notices. They are used in different situations, and only one of them gives you a chance to fix the issue.
1. 7 Day Notice to Cure
A 7 Day Notice to Cure is used when the tenant violates the lease and the problem can be fixed. The landlord must give you 7 days to correct the issue before filing an eviction.
Examples of curable violations include:
- Unauthorized pets
- Noise complaints
- Improper parking
- Failure to maintain cleanliness
If you fix the issue within 7 days, the landlord cannot file an eviction for that violation.
2. 7 Day Unconditional Quit Notice
A 7 Day Unconditional Quit Notice is used for serious violations that Florida law does not require the landlord to allow the tenant to fix. After the 7 days pass, the landlord may file an eviction
Examples include:
- Intentional property damage
- Criminal activity on the property
- Repeated lease violations within a 12 month period
Does a 7 Day Notice Mean You Are Being Evicted?
No. A 7 Day Notice is only the first step in the legal process. You cannot be removed from the property unless the landlord files a case in court and a judge signs a final judgment for eviction.
If your landlord tries to force you out without going to court, that may be considered an illegal self help eviction.
What Should You Do If You Receive a 7 Day Notice?
- Read the notice carefully to determine whether it is a Cure Notice or an Unconditional Quit Notice.
- Document the property condition and the issue the landlord claims you violated.
- Take photos or videos if repairs or maintenance are involved.
- Fix the issue immediately if the notice allows you to cure the problem.
- Contact a Florida landlord tenant attorney if the notice is wrong or unfair.
What Happens After the 7 Days Expire?
If you cure the issue in a 7 Day Notice to Cure, the landlord cannot file an eviction for that violation. If the issue is not fixed, or if the notice is an Unconditional Quit Notice, the landlord may file an eviction in county court. You will be served with eviction papers and given a chance to respond.
If you believe the notice is incorrect or being used to pressure you out illegally, Korte and Associates can review your situation and explain your options.
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What happens if I don’t fix the issue after receiving a 7-Day Notice to Cure?
If you do not fix (or “cure”) the violation within the 7-day window, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit in county court. They cannot remove you themselves, change locks, or turn off utilities — they must go through the legal eviction process. Only the sheriff can conduct the final removal.
Can a landlord give a 7-Day Notice without inspecting the property?
Yes. Florida law does not require a landlord to inspect the unit before issuing a 7-Day Notice to Cure. However, they must have a reasonable factual basis for the claim. A false or retaliatory notice may be legally challenged.
Can I be evicted with a 7-Day Notice for late rent?
No. Late rent requires a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit, not a 7-Day Notice.
A landlord cannot use a 7-Day Notice to Cure or a 7-Day Unconditional Quit for rent-related issues.
