Landlords can’t just lock you out, even if you are behind on rent. They must get a court judgment first.
Your landlord can’t evict you without terminating the tenancy first. This usually means giving you adequate written notice, in a specified way and form. If you don’t move after proper notice (or reform your ways — for example, by paying the rent or finding a new home for the dog), the landlord can file a lawsuit to evict you. (This type of lawsuit is sometimes called an unlawful detainer, or UD lawsuit.) In order to win, the landlord must prove that you did something wrong that justifies ending the tenancy.
State laws have very detailed requirements for landlords who want to end a tenancy. Each state has its own procedures as to how termination notices and eviction papers must be written and delivered to you (“served”). Landlords must follow state rules and procedures exactly.
For more information please visit: http://www.floridalawattorney.com/