What to Do if Your Tenant Stops Paying Rent in Florida

Introduction

Being a landlord isn’t always easy. One of the most stressful situations is when a tenant stops paying rent. Not only does it cut into your income, but it also leaves you responsible for the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and repairs.

If you’re a Florida landlord dealing with non-paying tenants, here are your options, and how Palm Vista Property Group can help if you’re ready to walk away from the stress altogether.

Step 1: Communicate With Your Tenant

Sometimes, tenants miss payments due to temporary hardships like job loss or medical bills.

• Reach out quickly to discuss the situation.
• Document all communication in writing.
• Offer payment plans if appropriate.

👉 Open communication may resolve the issue without escalating further.

Step 2: Review Florida Landlord-Tenant Law

Florida law is clear about tenant obligations:

• Rent must be paid on time unless otherwise agreed.
• If a tenant fails to pay, landlords can issue a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate.
• If rent is not paid within that time, you can begin eviction proceedings in court.

⚠️ Important: You cannot shut off utilities, change locks, or remove belongings without a court order this is considered an “illegal eviction” in Florida.

Step 3: Decide If Eviction Makes Sense

Evictions in Florida can take 4–8 weeks or longer, depending on court backlogs. They can also cost hundreds or thousands in legal fees, plus lost rent.

Ask yourself:

• Is this property still worth the stress?
• Do you want to keep being a landlord long-term?
• Would selling be a better option financially and emotionally?

Step 4: Consider Selling the Property

If you’re tired of chasing rent or dealing with tenants, selling might be the best way out.

• Traditional sale: Often requires tenants to leave and may need repairs before listing.
• Cash buyer sale: You can sell with tenants still in place, even if they’re behind on rent.

How Palm Vista Property Group Helps Florida Landlords

• ✅ We buy rental properties with tenants in place.
• ✅ You don’t have to evict before selling.
• ✅ We pay cash and close in 7–14 days.
• ✅ We buy as-is—no repairs or cleaning required.

Real Example

A Manatee County landlord had a tenant who stopped paying for three months. Instead of going through eviction, they sold directly to Palm Vista Property Group. We purchased the home as-is, tenants included, and closed in under two weeks. The landlord avoided legal fees and ongoing losses.

Conclusion

If your tenant stops paying rent, you have options. While eviction is one path, many landlords find that selling is the faster, less stressful solution.

👉 If you’re ready to sell your rental property—whether tenants are paying or not—contact Palm Vista Property Group today for a no-obligation cash offer at PalmVistaPropertyGroup.com.