Florida Foreclosure Resource Hub
Florida Foreclosure Help: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Behind on payments, facing a Lis Pendens, or worried about losing your home? Here’s the complete guide to understanding the foreclosure process in Florida — and your options to protect yourself.
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- Section 1: Understanding Florida’s Judicial Foreclosure Process
- Your Options if Facing Foreclosure
- Section 3: Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn More About How We Serve Your County
- How Does Foreclosure Work in Florida?
- Cash Sale vs. Traditional Listing vs. Foreclosure: Comparison
Section 1: Understanding Florida’s Judicial Foreclosure Process
Florida is a judicial foreclosure state, which means every foreclosure goes through the courts. This process creates challenges for homeowners but also gives you valuable time and options.
Missed Payments
Usually 90+ days late before lender files suit.
Lis Pendens Filed
Legal notice that foreclosure has started.
Judgment Hearing
When a court decides if foreclosure proceeds.
Final Judgment
A final Judgment is filed by the court stating the full amount owed to date.
Online Auction Scheduled
Means that a property is listed for sale on the county foreclosure site.
10 Day Redemption Period
Owners have 10 days after the auction to pay the Final Judgement in FULL, to reverse the auction and save their property.
Certificate of Title Issued
This Certificate transfers ownership to the buyer.
Eviction (if necessary)
Evication is the last step if homeowner has not already left.
Your Options if Facing Foreclosure
Loan Modification
Work with your lender to restructure payments
Bankruptcy Filing
Temporary stop to foreclosure, but the credit impact is severe
Sell Direct to a Cash Buyer
Fastest option, avoids fees/commissions, works even with liens or major repairs
Section 3: Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About How We Serve Your County
How Does Foreclosure Work in Florida?
Florida uses a judicial foreclosure process, meaning the lender must file a lawsuit in court. The entire timeline typically takes 6 to 12 months from the first missed payment to auction. Here are the key stages:
- Missed Payments (Day 1-90): After 90 days of missed payments, the lender issues a notice of default and acceleration letter.
- Lis Pendens Filed (Day 90-120): The lender files a foreclosure lawsuit with the county court and records a lis pendens (notice of pending litigation).
- Service of Process (Day 120-150): The homeowner is formally served with the lawsuit and has 20 days to respond.
- Court Proceedings (Day 150-300): If the homeowner contests, the case proceeds through discovery, mediation, and potentially trial.
- Summary Judgment (Day 300-360): The court issues a final judgment of foreclosure, setting the sale date.
- Foreclosure Auction (Day 360+): The property is sold at a public auction on the county courthouse steps or online.
- Right of Redemption: Florida homeowners can stop foreclosure at any time before the sale by paying the full amount owed, including fees.
Important: You can sell your home at any point before the auction — even after a judgment is entered. Contact Labros for a cash offer and close before the sale date.
Cash Sale vs. Traditional Listing vs. Foreclosure: Comparison
| Factor | Cash Sale (Labros) | Traditional Listing | Foreclosure Auction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 7-14 days | 90-180 days | 6-12 months |
| Agent Commission | None (0%) | 5-6% | N/A |
| Closing Costs | We pay | Seller pays (~2-3%) | Added to debt |
| Repairs Required | None (as-is) | Often required | N/A |
| Credit Impact | None | None | Severe (7+ years) |
| Certainty | Guaranteed close | Buyer may back out | No control |