§83.625: Power to Award Possession and Enter Money Judgement | Florida Landlord & Tenant

Описание: Florida Statute §83.625 gives courts a straightforward tool in eviction cases tied to unpaid rent. Essentially, when a landlord sues to regain possession of a rental home because the tenant hasn't paid rent, the judge can do two things at once: order the tenant to move out and issue a money judgment for the back rent owed, plus court costs. This applies to residential rentals and mainly benefits landlords by streamlining the process, but it also ensures tenants face clear financial consequences if the court rules against them.

Here's how it works in practice. The landlord files an eviction lawsuit for nonpayment of rent. If the court determines the rent is legitimately due and unpaid, leading to the landlord's right to possession, the judge awards the property back to the landlord and enters a separate judgment for the exact amount of unpaid rent (within the court's monetary limits). This means the landlord gets both the keys back and a enforceable court order to collect the debt, often without needing a second lawsuit.

That said, there are important safeguards and limits. No money judgment can be issued unless the tenant was properly served with the lawsuit papers—either in person, through certified mail (where allowed), or other legal methods. Everything must follow the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure strictly. The judgment is capped by the court's jurisdiction (like county court limits), and the winning side may also recover attorney's fees and costs. For tenants, this underscores the risks of falling behind on rent, as it could lead to both eviction and a lasting judgment affecting credit or future rentals.

History.—s. 1, ch. 75-147; s. 8, ch. 87-195; s. 6, ch. 88-379.

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