How Long Does Foreclosure Take in Florida?

jvtaormina
Apr 30
3 min read

If you're a Florida homeowner facing foreclosure, one of the first questions you may have is: How long does foreclosure take? The answer is: it depends. Some foreclosures move quickly — in just a few months — while others may take a year or longer. Understanding the foreclosure timeline and what factors can speed it up or slow it down is key to protecting your home and your future.

The Short Answer: It Varies

In Florida, a fast foreclosure can take just a few months, especially if the homeowner doesn’t respond to the lawsuit or participate in the court process. However, the average foreclosure takes about 12 months from start to finish. In some cases, it can take even longer.

The short ones: if the defendant does not respond to the summons within the twenty days, the plaintiff will likley file a Motion for Clerk's Default and the Clerk will enter a default. Then the plaintiff will file a Motion for Default Final Judgment with supporting affidavits and set a hearing.

Factors That Affect the Length of a Foreclosure

There are many variables that can impact how long a foreclosure takes. Here are a few of the most common:

Whether the homeowner is represented by an attorney. Homeowners who have legal representation tend to have more time to explore options and may be able to delay or stop the process altogether. An experienced foreclosure attorney can raise legal defenses, negotiate with the lender, help the homeowner apply for a loan modification, and explain all available options.
The actions taken by the homeowner. If a homeowner doesn’t respond to the foreclosure lawsuit, the lender can move quickly to get a judgment and schedule a sale. On the other hand, taking action — such as applying for assistance or filing legal documents — can slow things down.
Court backlogs and lender delays. Sometimes delays come from the court system itself or the bank not moving forward quickly. This can extend the timeline, even if the homeowner doesn’t actively contest the foreclosure.
Bankruptcy filings. Filing for bankruptcy triggers an “automatic stay” that stops foreclosure proceedings temporarily. This can provide homeowners with more time to reorganize their finances or work out a solution.

Options for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

At Taormina Law, P.A., we help homeowners across Florida explore their options when facing foreclosure. Depending on your unique situation, you may be able to:

Apply for a loan modification. Adjust your loan terms to reduce monthly payments or make up missed payments over time.
Reinstate the loan. Catch up on past-due amounts and bring the loan current before the foreclosure sale.
Negotiate a payment plan. Work out an agreement with the lender to repay the overdue amount over time.
Refinance the mortgage. Replace your current loan with a new one that has more favorable terms.
Sell the home. You may be able to sell your home before the foreclosure sale, including through a short sale if you owe more than the home is worth.
File for bankruptcy. Depending on your financial situation, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may provide relief or stop the foreclosure.
Pursue a surplus funds claim. If your home sells at auction for more than you owed, you may be entitled to claim the surplus.

Talk to a Florida Foreclosure Attorney

If you’ve received a foreclosure notice or are struggling to make your mortgage payments, don’t wait. The earlier you speak to an attorney, the more options you may have. At Taormina Law, P.A., we are committed to helping homeowners make informed decisions and fight for the best possible outcome.

Call us today or visit TaorminaLawPA.com to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help.