Florida Foreclosure Timeline

Florida uses judicial foreclosure, which means a court must approve the foreclosure. The full process often takes many months — sometimes more than a year — depending on the county and whether the case is contested. Here is the typical path.

1. Missed payments (days 1–120)

Late fees begin, the servicer must reach out about options, and federal rules generally block a foreclosure filing until you're more than 120 days behind.

2. Breach / demand letter

Most mortgages require a letter giving you at least 30 days to cure the default before the lender can sue.

3. Complaint, summons & lis pendens

The lender files suit in the county circuit court and records a lis pendens. Once served, you generally have 20 days to respond.

4. Litigation, mediation & summary judgment

The case moves through motions, possible mediation, and either a summary judgment hearing or a trial. This stage varies the most in length.

5. Final judgment

If the lender wins, the judge enters a final judgment of foreclosure and sets a sale date — generally 20 to 35 days later.

6. Clerk's foreclosure sale

Most Florida counties hold online auctions run by the Clerk of Court. Your right to redeem generally ends when the clerk files the certificate of sale.

7. Certificate of title & possession

If no objection is filed (usually within 10 days), the clerk issues a certificate of title. The new owner can then ask the court for a writ of possession.

8. Surplus & deficiency

If the sale brings in more than what's owed, you may claim surplus funds. If it brings in less, the lender may seek a deficiency judgment.

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