As reported by Florida Today, evictions are on the rise in Brevard County.
Yearly statistics for Writs of Possession executed by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office:
2003 -- 2,020
2004 -- 1,900
2005 -- 2,503
2006 -- 2,104
2007 -- 2,571
2008 -- 2,640 to 2,700 (Estimated)
Know your rights as a tenant.
Florida Statutes: Title VI
CIVIL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
Chapter 83: Landlord and Tenant
Steps to an eviction
QUESTION: When does the process start?
ANSWER: After an owner or renter starts defaulting on payments, banks make several attempts to contact the owners, usually through certified letters. If that doesn't work, the banks usually file for a Writ of Possession.Q: When does the court issue a Writ of Possession?
A: The court inspects the records and issues a writ if the homeowner has defaulted on his mortgage. It is the job of a sheriff's deputy in the civil division to go out and deliver this 24-hour notice of eviction. The deputy then notifies the plaintiff's attorney that the notice has been posted and then meets him the next day to hand over the property.
Q: What is the process for rental evictions?A: Those who fail to pay their rent usually receive a three-day notice indicating that the landlord has begun the process of eviction. After three days, the landlord can petition the court asking for a 5-day or a 20-day notice. Once the notice is issued by the court, it is the job of deputies to serve the summons. The tenant can answer the complaint in writing while providing a copy to the landlord. If they fail to do that, the court issues a 24-hour eviction notice.
Q: Does the sheriff's office get paid to do this?A: The sheriff's office is paid $90 by the plaintiff or the banks for every writ of possession delivered. All money collected for this service is returned to the county.
