If you’ve received a foreclosure notice of default in Florida, you still have time and options. It means you’re behind on mortgage payments and the lender has formally begun the foreclosure process. However, you may still reinstate the loan, negotiate a solution, or sell the property before foreclosure is finalized.
What Is a Foreclosure Notice of Default?
A Notice of Default (NOD) is an official, legal document your lender files when you’re 90 days or more behind on your mortgage. It signals that you’re in default under the terms of your mortgage agreement and that foreclosure is pending unless the debt is resolved.
In Florida, this notice is not always separately served to the borrower like in other states — instead, Florida is a judicial foreclosure state, which means the process begins with a formal lawsuit.
In Florida, Here’s How a Foreclosure Typically Starts:
- You miss multiple payments (usually 3 or more)
- The lender files a Lis Pendens (lawsuit notice) with the court
- You are served a foreclosure complaint and summons
- That notice is functionally your “notice of default”
Even if you haven’t received a letter titled “Notice of Default,” that court filing officially kicks off foreclosure in Florida.
Florida Foreclosure Timeline After a Notice of Default
Here’s what to expect if no action is taken:
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| Day 0–90 | Missed mortgage payments (pre-default) |
| ~Day 90 | Foreclosure lawsuit filed (Lis Pendens) |
| 20 days after | You must respond to the complaint |
| 3–6 months later | Court hearing and judgment |
| 1–3 weeks later | Property auction scheduled |
| ~Day 150–210 | Home sold at auction or repossessed |
Important: You can stop the foreclosure process at any point before the court finalizes the sale — through repayment, sale, or negotiation.
What to Do If You Receive a Foreclosure Notice in Florida
Here are your best next steps:
1. Don’t Ignore It
Ignoring the notice won’t make it go away — and could accelerate the foreclosure. You have only 20 days to respond to the foreclosure complaint.
2. Contact a Foreclosure Defense Attorney
Florida’s judicial foreclosure process gives you the right to defend yourself in court, challenge errors, or delay proceedings.
An attorney can help you:
- File an answer to the complaint
- Challenge improper lender actions
- Explore legal remedies like loan modification or bankruptcy
3. Request Reinstatement or Payoff Figures
Ask your lender for a reinstatement quote (to bring the loan current) or payoff amount (to pay off the full mortgage). This is crucial if you plan to:
- Sell the home before auction
- Refinance with another lender
- Use cash to stop the foreclosure
4. Consider Selling Before Foreclosure
If you have equity in the home or just want to avoid a public auction, selling fast is often the most stress-free option.
Can I Sell My House After a Notice of Default in Florida?
Yes — even after receiving a foreclosure notice, you have the legal right to sell your property up until the day of the auction.
Selling during this period is called a pre-foreclosure sale, and it can:
- Pay off your mortgage
- Protect your credit score from further damage
- Help you avoid a deficiency judgment
- Allow you to move on without a foreclosure on your record
We Buy Pre-Foreclosure Homes in Florida
At Frank Jr. Buys Houses, we specialize in buying homes:
- In pre-foreclosure or default
- With missed mortgage payments
- With liens, judgments, or title issues
- In any condition (even damaged or vacant)
We can often stop the foreclosure clock, pay off your lender, and close in as little as 7 days.
What If My House Is Underwater?
If your home is worth less than what you owe, you might consider a:
- Short sale (requires lender approval)
- Deed in lieu of foreclosure
- Cash offer from an investor willing to handle the difference
We’ve worked with homeowners across Florida who owed more than their homes were worth — and still found a way to walk away without owing anything out-of-pocket.
What Happens If You Do Nothing?
If you ignore the foreclosure notice:
- The court will likely enter a default judgment
- The house will be scheduled for public auction
- You’ll be evicted by the sheriff
- You could be held responsible for the remaining balance (if the home sells for less than what’s owed)
This is why it’s critical to take action early — even if you’re unsure what to do.
Why Florida Homeowners Call Frank Jr. Buys Houses After a Foreclosure Notice
We’re not agents. We’re direct local buyers who help homeowners in tough situations — fast.
- We buy homes as-is (no repairs needed)
- We pay cash (no waiting on financing)
- We close fast — 7 to 14 days
- We help you handle paperwork, title, and lender communication
- We work with attorneys if legal help is needed
Call (305) 775-8750 or Request a Free No-Pressure Offer
FAQ: Foreclosure Notice of Default in Florida
Is a foreclosure notice the same as a Notice of Default in Florida?
In Florida, the Lis Pendens and foreclosure lawsuit serve as your functional “notice of default,” since Florida follows a judicial foreclosure process.
Can I stop foreclosure once it starts?
Yes. Options include paying the reinstatement amount, refinancing, selling the home, or negotiating with the lender.
Can I sell my house after getting a foreclosure notice?
Yes, as long as the property hasn’t been sold at auction yet. You can sell at any point before the foreclosure sale date.
How long do I have after receiving a foreclosure notice?
You typically have 20 days to respond to the lawsuit and several months before the home is auctioned — giving you time to act.
Final Word: You Still Have Options — But the Clock Is Ticking
Receiving a foreclosure notice of default in Florida can feel overwhelming. But it’s not too late.
With the right guidance and a fast sale, you can:
- Stop foreclosure
- Protect your credit
- Keep any equity you’ve built
- Avoid public court auctions and legal fees
Let us help you move forward — request a fast, private offer today and see what’s possible.