Articles

• My evictions summons says I have 5 days to respond. Is that business or calendar days? 5 business days excluding weekends and holidays (if our office is closed, that da...
• What steps do I need to take to evict a tenant? Instructions and forms are available on our website or at either office location....
• I have been served with a summons for eviction, what do I do next? You may file an answer stating why you feel you should not have to move or be evi...
• How can I file an eviction without a name? All court proceedings, including evictions, require the first and last name of th...
• What is the next step after a default is issued? Depends on the type of case: if it is an eviction the clerk prepares a judgment o...
• What is the next step after a 5-day summons is served? Must show proof of service in the case before the next step. There must be proof of service- return of service filed/scanned in the case befor...
• What's my next step in the eviction process once the Judge signs the Order? How can I request a Writ of Possession in my eviction case? If the tenants are still in the property after you receive the judgment you may r...
• I was evicted. How can I get permission to return to my residence/home to retrieve the remainder of my belongings/property? You may submit a written request to the clerk's office requesting a court order a...
• The tenants have left my property but left their possessions. What do I do? (Abandoned Property) You will need to research the Abandoned Property Law Florida Statute Chapter 715....
• How can I evict a family member? (Unlawful Detainer) If you are evicting a family member AND there is no rental agreement you may revi...
• If the Tenant is active-duty military, do we still use the non-military affidavit? Yes, use the affidavit and mark through "non" and write "is"....
• Can I get an eviction removed from my background? No, those are not able to be expunged....
• When the summons is served in an eviction case when does the 5 business days to respond begin? The next business day (the day after being served) will count as day 1....
• I want to pay my rent. What types of payment do you take? In an eviction case, we are only able to take guaranteed funds from the defendant...
• Can I request past due rent or damages after an order or final judgment of removal of tenant has been entered? Yes, providing the initial complaint requested past due rent and damages AND the ...
• I am a tenant who is being evicted. Do I have any rights? You may review information at the following link regarding tenant rights: https:/...
• What is an unlawful detainer? Please review:  Ch. 82 Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer  F.S. 82.045 Remedy f...
• Can I get an emergency eviction? The forms available at the clerk's office and on our website are for standard res...
• How do I evict someone and also claim damages to my property or house? You may review the eviction forms available on our website at www.okaloosaclerk.c...
• When a satisfaction of claim is filed, is it automatically recorded? Providing the recording fees are paid at the time of filing, the satisfaction of ...
• Can I dismiss an eviction case that I filed? Yes, you may dismiss your case by filing a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal.  The fo...
• What forms do I need to file a commercial eviction? Does the clerk's office have forms for commercial evictions? The clerk's office cannot advise you as to which forms are necessary for a commer...
• What is a supersedeas bond? Also known as a defendant's appeal bond. It is a type of surety bond that a court...
• How and when is money disbursed out of the court registry? The clerk can only disburse money from the registry if there is a court order or ...
• What is and what is the difference between an Eviction, Unlawful Detainer and Ejectment? Eviction: *    Governed by Ch. 83 *    Landlord/tenant relationship, usually esta...
• Can I file a complaint against my landlord? How much will it cost? What will be the possible outcome if I file? The clerk's office cannot provide legal advice.  You may wish to review the follo...
• Remove Persons Unlawfully Occupying Residential Real Property (Squatters) Eff 7/1/2024 Florida House Bill 621 / Florida statute 82.036, effective July 1, 2024: Applies ...