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What happens if I do not file an Answer or pay the rent to the Clerk?
If you do NOT follow the process properly, you may be evicted.
Here is what happens:
- On the landlord’s request, the court will sign a Writ of Possession without a court hearing.
- The court will send the Writ to the sheriff, who will tape a Final Notice of Eviction on your door.
- You may have only 24 hours to leave.
- When the time on the Notice ends, your landlord can change the locks.
- The landlord can put all of your belongings outside, for anyone to take.
Upcoming Legal Clinics
Typically, daily hours Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location
Virtual,
Hillsborough,
Pasco,
Pinellas,
Manatee,
Sarasota
Online: Typically, Monday-Friday. In-person: See schedule below.
Location
Hillsborough
Apply for Services
Apply by phone Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or apply online anytime for non-emergency legal matters. Language interpreters are available to you at no cost.
Bay Area Legal Services
If you live or have a case in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, or Sarasota counties, we may be able to help.
Statewide Legal Helplines
If you live or have a case in Florida, we may be able to help.