In Florida, mortgage foreclosure lawsuits are filed in the county where the property is located. Although Florida foreclosures are governed by Chapter 702 of the Florida Statutes, foreclosing lenders must also check the local rules of the court where the lawsuit is filed to make sure that they comply with […]
In Florida, lenders may find themselves foreclosing on real property with a mobile home attached to the land. Initially, a mobile home is considered personal property (like a vehicle) and is titled by the Department of Motor Vehicles. However, a mobile home may be “retired” to the real property and […]
Oftentimes, when a lender forecloses on real estate collateral, the lender will purchase the property at the foreclosure sale. Once the lender has title to the property, it has the right to take possession of the property. However, sometimes, the previous homeowner or a tenant may not voluntarily vacate the […]
When a lender obtains a final judgment of foreclosure from the court, the mortgaged property is sold at public auction and, if bought by someone other than the foreclosing lender, the proceeds are applied to the debt owed by the delinquent borrower. However, sometimes the sale proceeds are insufficient to […]
In Florida, lenders typically obtain an “assignment of rents” if the property produces income by collecting rent, such as an apartment complex, rental home, rental space, or office building. An “assignment of rents” allows the lender to collect the rent payments, if the borrower defaults on their loan payments. Although […]
In response to the mortgage foreclosure crisis, the Supreme Court of Florida established a statewide mandatory mediation program for residential mortgage foreclosures. Due to the mandatory mediation program being largely unsuccessful, the Supreme Court of Florida terminated the program on December 19, 2011. However, lenders should be aware that judges […]
The Florida Supreme Court has published the proper form to use when seeking a final judgment of foreclosure: Form 1.996(a), Final Judgment of Foreclosure (8-18-20). Form 1.996(a) is incorporated in the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure under Rule 1.900. Pursuant to Rule 1.900(b), the Form may be varied to meet […]
In 2010, the Florida Supreme Court approved an amendment to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure regarding mortgage foreclosures and enacted new forms, such as Form 1.996(b), Motion to Cancel and Reschedule Foreclosure Sale. In 2014, the Florida Supreme Court renumbered this form to the current Form 1.996(c) (2019). If […]
A residential mortgage foreclosure action is initiated in Florida by filing a verified complaint with the appropriate court. All named defendants will need to be notified of the lawsuit by being served process with a copy of the complaint and a summons. The defendants may be served by personal service […]
Since 2013, residential foreclosure actions in Florida have been significantly shortened—from over two (2) years to possibly less than six (6) months—because of the new “fast-track” process provided in section 702.10, Florida Statutes. This fast-track foreclosure process starts with the filing of a “verified” foreclosure complaint that sufficiently alleges standing, […]