In Florida, landlords must serve tenants with a 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate before filing for eviction due to non-payment of rent. This legal document notifies the tenant that they have three business days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) to either pay the past-due rent or move out. If the tenant fails to comply, the landlord can proceed with filing an eviction lawsuit.
To simplify the process, we’ve provided a fillable 3-Day Notice form that you can download and complete. Below are detailed step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the notice correctly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Completing the 3-Day Notice
1. Enter the Date of the Notice
At the top of the form, enter the date you are preparing the notice. This is important because the three-day period starts the next business day after the tenant receives the notice.
2. Fill in the Landlord’s Information
In the space provided, enter the landlord’s name and address. This should be the legal owner of the rental property or the property manager authorized to collect rent.
3. Provide the Tenant’s Information
Write the full name(s) of the tenant(s) as listed on the lease agreement. If there are multiple tenants, include all their names.
4. Describe the Rental Property
Specify the property address, including the unit number (if applicable). The address must match the lease agreement.
5. State the Amount of Rent Owed
- Enter the exact amount of past-due rent that the tenant must pay to avoid eviction.
- Do not include late fees, utility charges, or any other costs unless they are explicitly considered “rent” in the lease agreement.
6. Specify the Payment Deadline
Calculate three business days from the date the tenant will receive the notice. Do not count weekends or legal holidays. List the final date by which payment must be made.
7. Specify How the Tenant Can Pay
Provide details on where and how the tenant can pay the rent, such as:
- The address where rent should be paid.
- Accepted payment methods (cash, check, money order, online payment, etc.).
- Contact information if they have questions.
8. Sign the Notice
The landlord or property manager must sign and print their name at the bottom of the notice.
9. Serve the Notice Properly
Florida law requires that the 3-Day Notice be properly served to be legally valid. There are three acceptable ways to deliver the notice:
- Personal delivery to the tenant.
- Posting the notice in a conspicuous place on the property (such as the front door) if the tenant is absent.
- Mailing the notice (but this extends the deadline due to mailing delays).
10. Keep a Copy for Your Records
Always keep a copy of the completed notice and proof of service. You will need this if you proceed with an eviction. To ensure you have proper documentation:
- Scan and save a PDF copy of the fully completed and signed notice for your records.
- Take a picture of the posted notice on the tenant’s door as proof of posting.
Additionally, many landlords prefer to have a professional process server handle the delivery and posting of the notice to ensure compliance with Florida law. We can assist with this service if requested, ensuring that the notice is properly served according to legal requirements.
What Happens Next? Filing for Eviction
If the tenant does not pay the rent or vacate the premises before the expiration of three business days, you can now proceed with filing an eviction case.
To get started immediately:
- Email Andrew Douglas, P.A. a copy of your 3-Day Notice and lease (if applicable).
- We will begin the eviction process right away to recover possession of your property as soon as possible.
📧 Email: Andrew@Douglasfirm.com
📞 Call: 954.474.4420
📲 Text for Fastest Response: 954.474.4420