Do this today
- Keep the paper. Photograph every page.
- Write the date, time, and how it arrived.
- Look for Hillsborough 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 Tampa the same as being evicted?
No. A written landlord notice is a step. Hillsborough 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 Chapter 83 is the book. Local code is the conditions door.
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. City of Tampa — Neighborhood Enhancement is not a substitute for legal aid once a case is filed.
City of Tampa or unincorporated Hillsborough?
Florida Chapter 83 is the book either way. Code enforcement depends on the address. County court hears possession. Confirm City of Tampa versus the County before you file a complaint.
The Tampa layer
Florida Chapter 83 is the book. Local code is the conditions door.
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.
Tampa questions
Can my landlord in Tampa evict me without going to court?
No. Changing locks or shutting off utilities is not how possession is completed. Hillsborough 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 Tampa?
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.
City of Tampa or unincorporated Hillsborough?
Florida Chapter 83 is the book either way. Code enforcement depends on the address. County court hears possession. Confirm City of Tampa versus the County before you file a complaint.
What number should I call in Tampa?
Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. City of Tampa — Neighborhood Enhancement 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