Where
do I go to file an eviction in St Lucie
County?
The Small Claims/County Civil Division at the Clerk's Office.The main
office is located at the South County Annex, 250 N.W. Country Club Drive,
Room 115, Port St Lucie.
All eviction cases are kept at this location.You
may also file at the Ft. Pierce branch which is located at the St. Lucie
County Clerk's Office, 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce on the second floor.
Can an agent file an eviction Complaint?
A landlord's agent is not permitted to take any action other than the initial
filing of the complaint, unless the agent is an attorney [F.S. 83.59(2)]. An
agent cannot represent an owner if the eviction becomes contested and a hearing
is scheduled. Either the owner of the property or an attorney must appear at
the hearing.
Can
an agent sue for back rent?
No, only an owner or an attorney may file for back rent.
Who
should be named as Defendant?
Any adult individuals who reside in the rental property should be named as
Defendants. If a lease or written agreement exists, all individuals who still
reside in the property and signed the lease/agreement should be named.
Who
may sign the eviction complaint?
The owner, owner's agent or if the Plaintiff is a corporation, an attorney
should sign the complaint.
Does
a corporation have to be represented by an attorney at an eviction hearing?
Yes.
What are
legal holidays?
As defined in F.S. 83.43(13), legal holidays are holidays
observed by the Clerk of the Court.
If
a residence is furnished without rent as an incident of employment and the
employment has terminated, how is the duration of tenancy determined?
Provided there is not written agreement to the contrary, the duration is
determined by the periods for which wages are payable. If wages are payable
weekly, then the tenancy is from week to week. If wages are payable monthly or
no wages are payable, then the tenancy is from month to month. [See F.S.
83.46(3)]
When
will I go to Court?
If an answer is filed and a hearing is required, hearings are usually held
within seven to ten days of the filing of an answer. If no answer is filed, a
hearing is generally not required.
Where
are eviction hearings held?
All eviction hearings are held at the South County Courthouse Annex located at
250 N.W. Country Club Drive, Port St Lucie. All courtrooms are located on the
second floor of the Annex.
How
can I locate an attorney who specializes in landlord/tenant cases?
Contact the Lawyers Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.
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