Do this today
- Keep the paper. Photograph every page.
- Write the date, time, and how it arrived.
- Look for Miami-Dade County Court — landlord-tenant, a case number, or an appearance date.
- If a court is named, call legal aid the same day. Do not guess the deadline.
What were you handed?
| The paper | What it usually is | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord notice | A step before a court case. Not a judgment, and not a lockout. | Date it. Keep the original. Write down how it arrived. Check whether it offers a chance to fix the problem. |
| Court papers | A case has been filed. A court name, case number, or appearance date is running. | Call legal aid the same day. Do not ignore it. Bring the papers and a timeline of how you received them. |
| Lockout or shutoff | Locks changed, belongings moved, or utilities cut on an occupied unit. | Call 211 and legal aid today. In most states a landlord may not do this personally. Police non-emergency can document it. |
Is a notice in Miami the same as being evicted?
No. A written landlord notice is a step. Miami-Dade County Court — landlord-tenant is where a possession case is heard. Papers that name a court, a case number, or an appearance date mean a case has been filed — that is same-day legal-aid work. Florida state law is the main book. Confirm whether you are calling City of Miami or Miami-Dade — they are different governments.
What should I be careful not to do?
Do not ignore court papers. Do not assume a lockout is lawful because a notice looks official. Do not sign a move-out or cash-for-keys paper you have not read with an advocate. Miami-Dade 311 is not a substitute for legal aid once a case is filed.
Is Miami the same as Miami-Dade?
The City of Miami sits inside Miami-Dade County. Florida Chapter 83 is the tenancy book. County and City code enforcement are different doors. County court hears possession. Confirm City of Miami versus unincorporated Dade before you file a complaint.
The Miami layer
Florida state law is the main book. Confirm whether you are calling City of Miami or Miami-Dade — they are different governments.
Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 83.40 to 83.683) is the Florida floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Miami questions
Can my landlord in Miami evict me without going to court?
No. Changing locks or shutting off utilities is not how possession is completed. Miami-Dade County Court — landlord-tenant is the court. If the paper names it, call legal aid the same day.
How long does an eviction notice last in Miami?
That number is in Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and it can depend on the reason, the housing type, and any local ordinance. This site does not reprint it. Open the chapter or call legal aid with the paper in your hand.
Is Miami the same as Miami-Dade?
The City of Miami sits inside Miami-Dade County. Florida Chapter 83 is the tenancy book. County and City code enforcement are different doors. County court hears possession. Confirm City of Miami versus unincorporated Dade before you file a complaint.
What number should I call in Miami?
Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. Miami-Dade 311 does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.
National answers on this desk
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org