What to Do When You’re Served with a Lawsuit in Florida

Getting served with a lawsuit is never a pleasant experience. It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even a little bit frightening. But the most important thing to remember is this: you must act—and act quickly. In Florida, you typically have 20 days to respond from the date you’re served (or 21 days in federal court). In some cases, different timeframes may apply, especially if you’re a specific type of defendant or if the case is governed by a unique set of rules. But no matter the situation, time is not on your side.

Don’t Panic—But Don’t Wing It, Either

Many people’s first instinct is to fight back immediately—to write a letter to the court or the opposing party denying the allegations. While this reaction is understandable, it can be a critical mistake.

Here’s why: depending on the circumstances, the lawsuit might actually be dismissible. For example, the court might lack jurisdiction over you or the subject matter. But if you rush to respond by arguing the facts—before evaluating whether the court has legal authority over the case—you may waive your right to raise those procedural defenses later. Simply put: if you respond the wrong way, you may box yourself into a corner and lose out on legitimate legal defenses, all because you didn’t handle it carefully from the start.

Why Hiring an Attorney Early Can Save You in the Long Run

This is where a lawyer becomes essential. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate the legal landscape of the case. Are you potentially liable? What’s your exposure? Are there valid procedural defenses you can raise? Is this a lawsuit that should be fought—or one that’s best resolved quickly and quietly?

It’s also important to understand that in some cases, the losing party may be required to pay the other side’s attorneys’ fees and costs. This is often the case in lawsuits involving contracts, statutes, or specific rules that allow for a “fee-shifting” provision. If you contest the case and lose, you may not only be on the hook for the underlying claim, but also for thousands of dollars in additional costs.

A good attorney can help you weigh the risks and rewards, and in many cases, negotiate a settlement that minimizes your liability, avoids future legal fees, and brings closure faster than a drawn-out court battle.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been served with a lawsuit:

1. Don’t ignore it. You have a limited time to respond.

2. Don’t respond without guidance. The wrong move could cost you key defenses.

3. Talk to an attorney right away. You need someone who can help you make smart, informed decisions that protect your rights and your finances.

Getting sued doesn’t mean you’ve lost—but how you respond can make all the difference.