This motion for default final judgment may be filed by a landlord/plaintiff in a Florida eviction action to request that final judgment be entered against the defendant/tenant following its failure to respond to the plaintiff's eviction complaint within the requisite time-frame.
Hear this out loud PauseA party may plead or otherwise defend at any time before default is entered. If a party in default files any document after the default is entered, the clerk must notify the party of the entry of the default. The clerk must make an entry on the progress docket showing the notification. (d) Setting aside Default.
To have a default vacated, the movant must demonstrate excusable neglect in failing to file a responsive pleading, due diligence upon learning of the entry of the default, and existence of a meritorious defense.
The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure allow a plaintiff to move for a default judgment when a defendant fails to file or serve any paper by the deadline. Filing a paper means submitting it to the court's clerk.
Generally, a default allows you to obtain an earlier final hearing to finish your case. Once the default is signed by the clerk, you can request a trial or final hearing in your case. To obtain a default, you will need to complete Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a).