Losing access to your home unexpectedly creates immediate uncertainty. A wrongful eviction lawyer helps determine whether the eviction followed Florida law and what legal remedies may be available. At Lopez Law Group, we represent landlords and tenants in residential eviction disputes throughout Florida. Whether a landlord believes a tenant refuses to leave lawfully or a tenant believes an illegal eviction occurred, we work to resolve the dispute while protecting our clients’ legal interests. Call (727) 933-0015 to discuss your situation.
What Questions Do People Ask Before Hiring a Wrongful Eviction Lawyer?
This page answers the questions prospective clients ask most often before contacting our office.
Do I need a wrongful eviction lawyer?
What is a wrongful eviction in Florida?
Is a self-help eviction illegal?
What damages are available after an unlawful eviction?
How does the Florida eviction process work?
What does our firm do in a wrongful eviction case?
How long do I have to file a wrongful eviction claim?
How Does Our Firm Help With Wrongful Eviction Cases?
Our firm represents both landlords and tenants because every eviction dispute deserves a careful review of the facts and Florida law. We build each case around the lease, the timeline, and the actions taken before possession changed. Many wrongful eviction disputes involve more than whether rent was paid. Questions often arise about notices, lockouts, utility shutoffs, property removal, lease terms, and whether either party followed Florida’s statutory requirements.
We Represent Residential Landlords
Florida law gives landlords the right to seek possession of rental property, but that process must follow the procedures established by state law. We help landlords by:
Preparing and reviewing eviction notices.
Filing eviction actions in court.
Addressing tenant defenses.
Pursuing lawful possession of the property.
Resolving disputes before trial when appropriate.
Following the statutory process protects both the landlord’s interests and the enforceability of the eviction.
We Represent Residential Tenants
Tenants also have rights under Florida law. A landlord generally may not remove a tenant without obtaining a court judgment and following the legal eviction process. Our firm evaluates whether the landlord complied with Florida law, whether the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment of the property was violated, and whether the tenant has claims arising from an unlawful eviction.
If a dispute involves damaged property, lost belongings, or denied access to the rental unit, we work to preserve evidence early while records and witnesses remain available. If you are facing a wrongful eviction dispute anywhere in Florida, speak with our team before taking additional action.
What Is a Wrongful Eviction in Florida?
A wrongful eviction occurs when a landlord removes a tenant or interferes with the tenant’s possession of a rental property without following Florida’s eviction laws. Florida generally requires landlords to obtain a court judgment before recovering possession of an occupied residential property. An eviction does not become lawful simply because a tenant violated the lease. The landlord must still complete the legal process required by Florida law. Florida’s residential eviction procedures appear in Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes.
Wrongful Eviction Usually Involves Self-Help Measures
Many wrongful eviction claims arise because a landlord attempts to regain possession without court involvement. Common examples include:
Changing the locks while the tenant remains away.
Disconnecting electricity or water to force the tenant out.
Removing the tenant’s belongings.
Blocking access to the property.
Threatening immediate removal without legal process.
Florida law generally prohibits these actions before completing the required court process. The distinction between a lawful eviction and a wrongful eviction often depends on procedure rather than the reason for ending the tenancy.
Lawful Eviction
Wrongful Eviction
Proper statutory notice
No required notice
Court eviction lawsuit
No court action
Court judgment
Lockout without judgment
Writ of possession
Utility shutoff
Sheriff executes removal
Landlord removes tenant personally
Is a Self-Help Eviction Illegal in Florida?
Yes. A self-help eviction is generally prohibited under Florida residential landlord-tenant law. A landlord ordinarily must use the court system instead of taking possession independently. Florida law protects tenants against actions that bypass the judicial process.
Actions That Often Lead to Wrongful Eviction Claims
Certain actions frequently become the basis of litigation. These actions include:
Locking a tenant out of the residence.
Removing doors or windows.
Interrupting utility service.
Taking the tenant’s personal property.
Preventing entry to the rental unit.
Each situation depends on its facts, but these actions often receive close attention during litigation. A landlord who believes a tenant violated the lease still benefits from following the statutory eviction process. Taking shortcuts frequently creates additional legal disputes that delay resolution.
How Does the Florida Eviction Process Work?
Florida law establishes a structured process for residential evictions. Completing each step in the proper order helps reduce disputes about whether possession changed lawfully. The process varies depending on the reason for the eviction, but most residential cases follow a similar pattern.
Typical Steps in a Residential Eviction
Most cases include the following stages:
The landlord serves the required statutory notice.
The tenant receives an opportunity to comply or vacate when applicable.
The landlord files an eviction lawsuit.
The court reviews the dispute.
The sheriff carries out any writ of possession issued by the court.
Following these procedures helps distinguish a lawful eviction from an unlawful eviction. If you have questions about the St. Petersburg, Florida eviction process, an attorney can explain how the law applies to your situation.
Our firm assists clients throughout every stage of the eviction process. Whether we represent the landlord seeking possession or the tenant responding to the lawsuit, we focus on protecting our client’s position under Florida law.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Wrongful Eviction?
A wrongful eviction may cause financial losses that extend well beyond finding another place to live. Florida law allows tenants to pursue damages when an unlawful eviction causes measurable harm, although the available remedies depend on the specific facts of the case. Our firm evaluates every claim individually because no two wrongful eviction cases involve the same losses. We review the timeline, the landlord’s actions, and the evidence supporting the damages before recommending a strategy.
Damages Depend on the Harm Caused
A successful wrongful eviction claim often focuses on proving how the illegal eviction affected the tenant. Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:
Costs of temporary housing.
Lost or damaged personal property.
Lost wages connected to the eviction.
Emotional distress when recognized under Florida law.
Other financial losses supported by the evidence.
Strong documentation often makes a significant difference when proving damages. Receipts, photographs, emails, text messages, and witness testimony frequently help establish both liability and the extent of the losses. If we represent a landlord, we also examine whether the tenant’s claimed damages are supported by credible evidence and whether the landlord followed the statutory eviction process.
What Evidence Helps Prove a Wrongful Eviction?
A wrongful eviction case often succeeds or fails based on the available evidence. The sooner evidence is preserved, the easier it becomes to reconstruct what happened. Digital records, written communications, and photographs often provide an accurate timeline of events.
We Help Clients Preserve Evidence Early
Our firm works with clients to collect and organize evidence before it becomes unavailable. Helpful evidence often includes:
The written lease agreement.
Notices served before the eviction.
Photographs or videos of the property.
Emails, text messages, and written communications.
Receipts for hotel stays, storage costs, or damaged property.
We also review court filings, sheriff’s records, and property management documents when those records affect the dispute. Building the case around objective evidence often creates a clearer picture than relying on conflicting memories alone.
What Defenses May Arise in a Wrongful Eviction Case?
Wrongful eviction claims often involve disputes over both the facts and the law. Landlords and tenants frequently disagree about whether the eviction followed Florida’s statutory requirements. Our firm evaluates both sides of the dispute before litigation progresses. Identifying potential defenses early helps us develop a stronger strategy for our clients.
Common Issues Raised During Litigation
Several legal issues appear regularly in wrongful eviction cases. These issues often include:
Whether proper statutory notice was provided.
Whether the tenant had already vacated the property.
Whether the landlord actually denied access.
Whether the tenant breached the lease.
Whether damages resulted from the alleged wrongful eviction.
Every eviction dispute turns on its own facts. We review the lease, the communications between the parties, and the court record before determining how those issues affect the case.
Why Work With Lopez Law Group for a Wrongful Eviction Matter?
Choosing a wrongful eviction lawyer involves more than finding someone familiar with landlord-tenant law. You need a legal team that understands how Florida courts handle eviction disputes and how quickly those disputes may affect your rights. Our firm represents both landlords and tenants because understanding both perspectives often provides valuable insight when resolving these cases.
We Build Every Case Around the Facts
No two eviction disputes follow the same path. Some involve unpaid rent, while others center on lease violations, improper notices, or allegations of self-help eviction. When you hire our firm, we:
Review the lease and all written communications.
Evaluate whether Florida’s statutory procedures were followed.
Gather and preserve evidence supporting your position.
Represent you during negotiations and court proceedings.
Develop a strategy based on your specific circumstances.
We believe careful preparation creates stronger cases. That preparation starts with understanding what happened before the dispute reached the courtroom. If you are dealing with a wrongful eviction or defending against allegations of an unlawful eviction, our team is ready to discuss your legal options.
FAQ for Wrongful Eviction Lawyer
Do I need a wrongful eviction lawyer if I was locked out without notice?
Yes. A lockout without following Florida’s eviction process may support a wrongful eviction claim. We review the facts, preserve evidence, and determine whether the landlord complied with Florida law.
Can a landlord remove my belongings after changing the locks?
Florida law generally requires landlords to follow the statutory eviction process before recovering possession of an occupied residential property. Removing a tenant’s belongings without legal authority may create additional legal issues.
What if I am a landlord and the tenant refuses to leave?
A landlord generally must follow Florida’s court-supervised eviction process, including situations when a holdover tenant refuses to leave. We prepare notices, file eviction actions, and guide landlords through each step required by state law.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful eviction lawyer?
The cost of hiring a wrongful eviction lawyer depends on the nature of the dispute and the work involved. We discuss fees during your initial consultation so you understand the expected costs before moving forward.
Can I file a lawsuit after an illegal eviction?
Yes, you may file a lawsuit after an illegal eviction if the facts support a legal claim under Florida law. The available remedies depend on the circumstances and the damages you suffered.
Does every lockout qualify as a wrongful eviction?
No. A lockout does not automatically establish a wrongful eviction. The lease terms, court proceedings, and the surrounding facts determine whether the landlord acted lawfully.
How long does a wrongful eviction case take?
The length of a wrongful eviction case depends on the issues in dispute, the court’s schedule, and whether the parties reach a resolution before trial. Some cases resolve through negotiation, while others require litigation.
Do you represent both landlords and tenants?
Yes. Our firm represents both residential landlords and tenants in wrongful eviction, unlawful eviction, and other landlord-tenant disputes throughout Florida.
Protect Your Rights With a Wrongful Eviction Lawyer
At Lopez Law Group, we represent both landlords and tenants in residential eviction disputes across Florida. We prepare every case carefully, evaluate the evidence thoroughly, and provide practical guidance based on the facts instead of assumptions. If you need a wrongful eviction lawyer, speak with our team before the dispute moves further. Call Lopez Law Group today at (727) 933-0015 to discuss your situation and learn how we may help protect your interests.
Mr. Lopez was a Godsend and really helped me with my situation. Him and the entire firm were very diligent and helped speed the early stages of the process along due to a pressing situation. Throughout my experience working with the firm, they were always responsive and available any time I had a question or wanted to check on the state of affairs. Hopefully I won’t have to recommend Lopez Law Group to my friends or family, but if those unfortunate circumstances arise then there’s only one name I would trust. Thank you again for all your help!
I called multiple attorneys to resolve my issue and none had much experience as much as this form. Anthony was amazing and made sure that as his client I was satisfied and understanding with his work. Very helpful and very patient and I was able to communicate with ease. I will definitely recommend this firm if you have a landlord/tenant issue or just an amazing attorney who listens to his clients needs.
Ashley Rondon
"Awesome!"
Thank you Geoff Pfeiffer, for your assistance when my HOA pushed back on my installation of the Solar Panels on my home. Your succinct and eloquent statements of my rights to them turned a “solar panels are not allowed on the front side of the roof, to a 100% approval with no changes needed. Thank you for helping me quickly resolved what was gearing up to be a fight with the HOA.
Zulma Cintron Smalls, EdD
“I Will Never Use Another Lawyer”
We couldn’t be more satisfied with Sean’s work and are so grateful we chose him to represent us. He works so diligently and tenaciously to get results, and somehow manages to combine being a consummate professional yet friendly and approachable. I was honestly terrified of receiving the final bill considering the hours upon hours he invested in our case (texts, calls, emails, meetings, etc.) after hearing nightmare lawyer stories from other people, but when I did I was shocked at how little he charged us. I never thought I’d say I wanted to pay somebody more than they charged, yet this time I did. I will never use another lawyer; we will use Sean for any and all representation we will ever need, and I urge others to do the same. Thank you, Sean!
