Eviction in Nassau County: A Landlord’s Guide to Selling Without the Stress

If you are a landlord in Nassau County dealing with a non-paying tenant, a squatter, or a lease violation, you know the frustration firsthand. Whether your property is in Fernandina Beach, Yulee, or Callahan, a bad tenant can turn a profitable investment into a financial nightmare.

In Nassau County, the eviction process is handled by the Clerk of Courts at the judicial complex in Yulee and enforced by the Nassau County Sheriff. While Florida laws protect landlords, one paperwork error can cause the judge to dismiss your case, forcing you to restart the timeline while losing even more rent.

This guide is designed to help landlords in Fernandina Beach, Hilliard, and Yulee understand the eviction timeline and how to sell your rental property with the tenant in place to stop the bleeding immediately.

The Nassau County Eviction Timeline (The “Hard Way”)

Evictions in Florida are governed by Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes. In Nassau County, you must follow these steps precisely to legally remove a tenant.

Step 1: The Proper Notice Before filing a lawsuit, you must serve the tenant a formal warning:

  • 3-Day Notice: For failure to pay rent (excludes weekends and legal holidays).
  • 7-Day Notice: For lease violations (damage, unauthorized pets, etc.).
  • 30-Day Notice: To terminate a month-to-month tenancy. (Note: This increased from 15 days to 30 days under recent Florida law updates).

2026 Update – Email Notices: As of recently, Florida law now allows you to send eviction notices via email if you and the tenant agreed to this in writing in the lease.

Step 2: Filing the Complaint If the tenant does not leave or pay, you must file a “Complaint for Eviction” with the Nassau County Clerk of Courts.

  • Where: The Robert M. Foster Justice Center (76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097).
  • The Cost: The filing fee is approximately $185.00, plus $10.00 per summons.

Step 3: Service & Judgment The Sheriff or a private process server must serve the summons to the tenant.

  • Service Fee: The Nassau County Sheriff charges $40.00 per defendant to serve the summons.
  • The Clock: The tenant has 5 business days to respond. If they fail to respond, you can file for a “Default Judgment.” If they fight the eviction and deposit rent into the Court Registry, a hearing will be scheduled before a judge.

Step 4: The Writ of Possession Once you win the final judgment, the Clerk issues a “Writ of Possession.” This is the only document that authorizes physical removal.

  • Sheriff’s Fee: You must pay $90.00 to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office to execute this writ.
  • The Lockout: The Sheriff posts a 24-hour warning on the door. If the tenant is not gone when they return, the Sheriff will physically remove them so you can change the locks.

The Hidden Costs of Eviction

Evicting a tenant in Nassau County is expensive.

  • Lost Rent: The average contested eviction takes 4-6 weeks. If you own a vacation rental in Fernandina Beach or a home in Yulee, that could mean $2,500 – $5,000+ in lost income.
  • Property Damage: Angry tenants often leave the property in shambles—leaving behind trash, damaging drywall, or stealing appliances.
  • Legal Fees: Between filing fees ($185+), Sheriff fees ($130+), and attorney costs, you can easily spend thousands just to get your keys back.

Your Options: Evict or Sell?

Option 1: Finish the Eviction (Keep the Stress) You continue paying the mortgage, taxes, and insurance while receiving zero rent. You navigate the court system in Yulee and hope the property isn’t destroyed when you finally get it back.

Option 2: Sell With the Tenant In Place (Walk Away) You can sell the property today, regardless of the tenant situation.

We Buy Nassau County Rental Properties.

  • We Buy the Lease: We inherit the “bad” tenant. You don’t need to evict them.
  • We Buy As-Is: If the tenant trashed the unit, we don’t care. We buy it in current condition.
  • Cash Closing: We can close in as little as 10-14 days, putting cash in your pocket and ending your landlord liability instantly.

Stop The Bleeding. Sell Your Rental Today.

If you are tired of chasing rent, dealing with squatters, or navigating the Nassau County court system, we can help. Fill out the form below for a fair cash offer on your rental property.

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Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm or financial institution. We do not provide legal or tax advice. We recommend all clients consult with their own legal counsel regarding estate matters.