Served with a lawsuit in Florida? You have just 20 days to respond — one of the shortest deadlines in the country. Here's how to file under the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
Only 20 days
Florida gives you 20 days from service to file your Answer. This is significantly shorter than California (30 days) or federal court (21 days). Florida courts enter default judgments quickly. Don't wait.
Florida Answer deadlines
Step by step
Determine your deadline
In Florida, you have 20 days from the date of service to file your Answer. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country. If served by mail, add 5 additional days. Florida courts are aggressive about default judgments — missing your deadline is extremely risky.
Read the Complaint
Florida Complaints must contain numbered paragraphs. Your Answer must respond to each numbered paragraph. You'll admit, deny, or state that you lack knowledge sufficient to form a belief about each allegation.
Draft your Answer
Florida requires specific responsive pleading. Include: case caption (matching the Complaint), case number, paragraph-by-paragraph responses, affirmative defenses (separately labeled), a Certificate of Service, and your signature. Florida doesn't allow general denials in most cases.
Include affirmative defenses
Under Florida Rule 1.110(d), affirmative defenses must be specifically pled. Florida has a long list of recognized legal defenses. Failure to raise them in your Answer typically results in waiver. Each defense should be separately numbered and labeled.
File with the court
Florida uses mandatory e-filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for all courts. Create an account, upload your Answer as a PDF, and pay the filing fee. Filing fees are set by Florida Statute § 28.241 (typically $300 for circuit court civil). Fee waivers available under Fla. Stat. § 57.081.
Serve the opposing party
After filing through the e-filing portal, service on the opposing party is automatic if they're registered e-filers. Otherwise, serve by mail or hand delivery. File a Certificate of Service documenting service.
Common affirmative defenses in Florida
Florida court system basics
Circuit Courts
Florida has 20 judicial circuits. Circuit Courts are the general trial courts handling civil cases over $50,000. Florida is a major debt litigation state — Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties have some of the highest civil filing volumes in the country.
County Courts
County Courts handle civil cases up to $50,000, including most consumer debt lawsuits. Many debt defense cases are filed in County Court. Small claims division handles cases up to $8,000.
Electronic Filing
Florida requires mandatory e-filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for all civil cases. Self-represented parties can register for a free account.
20 days goes fast. Your Answer shouldn't take long.
SynthCounsel generates a Florida-compliant Answer with specific denials, numbered affirmative defenses, and a Certificate of Service. Ready to e-file in minutes.