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Eviction in Alachua County (Gainesville), Florida

Where eviction cases are filed in Alachua County (Gainesville), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Alachua County (Gainesville)

Eviction court
County Court in and for Alachua County (8th Judicial Circuit) — Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller — County Court (civil) Court page
Filing fee
$185 removal of tenant without money claims or with money claims up to $2,500; $300 with claims $2,501–$15,000; $400 with claims $15,001–$50,000; $10 per summons Alachua County Clerk, Filing Fees (effective Jan. 1, 2023)
Notice before filing (state law)
3-day written notice to pay or vacate, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and court-observed legal holidays, substantially in the statutory form. Florida rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
$1,493/month HUD
Renter households
53,601 (46% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23

Where eviction cases are filed in Alachua County (Gainesville)

Eviction cases in Alachua County (Gainesville) are heard by the County Court in and for Alachua County (8th Judicial Circuit) — Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (County Court (civil)).

Court eviction page · E-filing · Search court records · Self-help center

Landlord-tenant cases are heard at the Family / Civil Justice Center (8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays). The Clerk's Forms page links a Landlord Tenant packet, the eviction summons and an answer form; interview-based eviction forms are on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Alachua County (Gainesville)

$185 removal of tenant without money claims or with money claims up to $2,500; $300 with claims $2,501–$15,000; $400 with claims $15,001–$50,000; $10 per summons

Sheriff service fee per Fla. Stat. § 30.231(1)(a): http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0030/Sections/0030.231.html

Source: Alachua County Clerk, Filing Fees (effective Jan. 1, 2023)

The Florida eviction process

Florida state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Alachua County (Gainesville):

  1. 3-day notice to pay or vacate (nonpayment) or 7-day notice (lease violations) or 30-day notice (month-to-month)
  2. Landlord files complaint for possession in county court; tenant served with summons
  3. Tenant files a written answer within 5 days after service and, for any defense other than payment, deposits the alleged rent into the court registry
  4. If tenant fails to answer or deposit rent, default judgment and immediate writ of possession; otherwise hearing
  5. Judgment for possession; clerk issues writ of possession
  6. Sheriff posts 24-hour notice (weekends/holidays do not extend it), then puts landlord in possession; landlord may remove property to the property line

Full Florida eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Alachua County (Gainesville)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Gainesville, FL HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$1,154
1 bedroom$1,246
2 bedrooms$1,493
3 bedrooms$1,868
4 bedrooms$1,977

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Alachua County (Gainesville): $1,339/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

Florida Statutes § 83.425 (ch. 2023-314, Laws of Fla.) preempts to the state the regulation of residential tenancies and the landlord-tenant relationship, so county landlord-tenant ordinances do not apply.

Eviction help in Alachua County (Gainesville)

Free legal help

Other Florida counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Alachua County (Gainesville)?
Eviction cases in Alachua County (Gainesville) are filed with the County Court in and for Alachua County (8th Judicial Circuit) — Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Alachua County (Gainesville)?
$185 removal of tenant without money claims or with money claims up to $2,500; $300 with claims $2,501–$15,000; $400 with claims $15,001–$50,000; $10 per summons.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Alachua County (Gainesville)?
Three Rivers Legal Services.
What is the fair market rent in Alachua County (Gainesville)?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,493 per month (1-bedroom: $1,246).

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.