What Is a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit?
A 3-day notice to pay or quit is the written notice a Florida residential landlord must give a tenant who has failed to pay rent before starting an eviction. It demands that the tenant either pay the overdue rent or vacate ("quit") the premises within three days. It is the required first step — a landlord cannot file an eviction for non-payment without first serving a proper notice.
Florida's Requirements
Under § 83.56(3), Florida Statutes, the notice gives the tenant three days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, to pay the rent due or deliver possession. The notice must state the amount owed and be properly delivered. If the tenant pays within the period, the tenancy continues; if not, the landlord may file for eviction.
Why Strict Compliance Matters
- The three-day count excludes weekends and holidays — miscounting is a common landlord error
- The notice must demand the correct amount of rent (not late fees or other charges)
- A defective notice can cause the eviction to be dismissed, forcing the landlord to start over
Related Terms
- Eviction — What the notice precedes
- Notice to Cure — The counterpart for non-rent lease violations
- Writ of Possession — The final step that removes a tenant
Barnes Walker
Barnes Walker's attorneys prepare three-day notices and handle residential and commercial evictions for Florida landlords. Request a legal inquiry for assistance.
Florida Law Reference
Fla. Stat. § 83.56(3)
Requires a residential landlord to give a defaulting tenant three days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) to pay rent or deliver possession before filing for eviction.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC