FLORIDA-HOW TO COLLECT RENT AFTER THE EVICTION

I've been getting many different answers about the best way to collect back rent after my tenant was evicted. One lawyer told me to garnish his wages, another said to go to small claims court, then someone said to go to the clerks office and fill out somemore forms for non payment of rent, but that really won't get a judgement to actully get the back rent. What, I'm so confused right now and I'm just not sure how to go about collecting the unpaid rent. Has anyone had to deal with the courts here in Florida, because I've heard so many horror story's and I don't mind spending the money to go to court, but I don't want to spend almost 300.00 for the non-payment of rent forms only to find out that i should have gone to small claims court to begin with! This tenant owes me almost 4000.00 in back rent, and It was a verbal agreement because he was a roomate and shared the cost of living in my own home with me! live and learn not to do that again!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I've been getting many different answers about the best way to collect back rent after my tenant was evicted. One lawyer told me to garnish his wages, another said to go to small claims court, then someone said to go to the clerks office and fill out somemore forms for non payment of rent, but that really won't get a judgement to actully get the back rent. What, I'm so confused right now and I'm just not sure how to go about collecting the unpaid rent. Has anyone had to deal with the courts here in Florida, because I've heard so many horror story's and I don't mind spending the money to go to court, but I don't want to spend almost 300.00 for the non-payment of rent forms only to find out that i should have gone to small claims court to begin with! This tenant owes me almost 4000.00 in back rent, and It was a verbal agreement because he was a roomate and shared the cost of living in my own home with me! live and learn not to do that again!

Hi, you have to go to small claims court with this!

Thank you, for the advice. Have you done this in the state of Florida without a contract? I was told, I wouldn't get a judgement because of that. However, if I used the complaint for "eviction of tentant for non-payment of rent" form, it allows for a oral agreement for rent in the state of Florida.

Thanks again

[OHlandlord]

I'm not familiar with collecting judgments in FL. But I would suggest you call a local LL assocition or a local chapter of REIA (real Estate Investors Association). They are all LLs and could advise you on the exact steps to take to get the money your tenant owes you. They are familiar with loacl courts and lawyers.