Eviction in St. Johns County: A Landlord’s Guide to Selling Without the Stress

If you are a landlord in St. Johns County dealing with a non-paying tenant, a squatter, or a lease violation, you know how quickly an investment property can turn into a financial liability.

St. Johns County—from the historic streets of St. Augustine to the luxury communities of Ponte Vedra—follows Florida’s strict eviction laws. The process is handled by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and 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 St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Hastings understand the eviction timeline and how to sell your rental property with the tenant in place to stop the bleeding immediately.

The St. Johns County Eviction Timeline (The “Hard Way”)

Evictions in Florida are governed by Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes. In St. Johns 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.).
  • 15-Day Notice: To terminate a month-to-month tenancy.

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

  • Where: The Richard O. Watson Judicial Center (4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine).
  • The Cost: Expect to pay approximately $185.00 in filing fees, plus $10.00 per summons.

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

  • 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 St. Johns 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 St. Johns County is expensive.

  • Lost Rent: The average contested eviction takes 4-8 weeks. If you own a rental in Ponte Vedra or Nocatee, that could mean $3,000 – $6,000+ 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, Sheriff fees, 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 at Lewis Speedway 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 St. Johns 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.

Important Contact Information

  • St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court
    • Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
    • Phone: (904) 819-3600.
    • Website: stjohnsclerk.com
  • St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (Civil Process)
    • Address: 4015 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
    • Phone: (904) 824-8304.

Ready To Sell Your Property?

Don’t Let a Bad Tenant Bankrupt You. If you are tired of chasing rent, dealing with squatters, or navigating the court system, we can help. Fill out the form below for a fair cash offer on your rental property.

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Areas We Serve in St. Johns County

We provide solutions for landlords across the county, including but not limited to:

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