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Lee County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Florida landlords need to file a Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) in Lee County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$185
Filing fee
2–4 weeks
Hearing wait
4–8 weeks
Total process
E-File ✓
Filing method

🏛️ Lee County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Lee County — What Landlords Should Know

Lee County follows standard Florida eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Lee County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Lee County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Lee County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 3-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 7-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Florida law.

2

File Your Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) at Lee County Justice Center

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Lee County Justice Center (1700 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901). The filing fee is $185. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Lee County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $40. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Lee County are typically scheduled 2–4 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Florida Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Florida.

Lee County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $185 Paid to Lee County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $40 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$34–$40 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Lee County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Lee County?

The typical Lee County eviction takes 4–8 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Lee County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Lee County?

The court filing fee in Lee County is $185. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($40), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$34–$40), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $259–$265.

What court handles evictions in Lee County?

Evictions in Lee County are filed at the Lee County Justice Center, located at 1700 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901. The case type is filed as a Eviction (Unlawful Detainer).

Can I file an eviction online in Lee County?

Yes, Lee County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Lee County?

Florida law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Lee County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Lee County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Florida.

See full Florida eviction laws and notice requirements.

Florida Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Florida.

Florida Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Lee County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Lee County →

Relevant Florida Statutes