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Seminole County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Florida landlords need to file a Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) in Seminole 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

🏛️ Seminole County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Seminole County — What Landlords Should Know

Seminole County follows standard Florida eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Seminole County?

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

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Seminole 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 Seminole County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Seminole County Courthouse (301 N. Park Ave., Sanford, FL 32771). 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 Seminole 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 Seminole 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.

Seminole County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $185 Paid to Seminole 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 — Seminole County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Seminole County?

The typical Seminole 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. Seminole County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

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

The court filing fee in Seminole 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 Seminole County?

Evictions in Seminole County are filed at the Seminole County Courthouse, located at 301 N. Park Ave., Sanford, FL 32771. The case type is filed as a Eviction (Unlawful Detainer).

Can I file an eviction online in Seminole County?

Yes, Seminole 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 Seminole 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 Seminole County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Seminole 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 Seminole County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Seminole County →

Relevant Florida Statutes