Think you can ignore a lawsuit? Florida courts won’t wait. The moment you’re served, the legal clock starts ticking—and your first 48 hours are critical. Many people make the mistake of waiting, hoping the problem will go away. But in Florida, delay can mean losing your right to defend yourself.
Under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.140(a), you generally have 20 days to file a response after being served. But those first two days are when you need to act fast: review the complaint for accuracy, check if service was proper under Fla. Stat. § 48.031, and immediately contact a Florida litigation attorney. Don’t talk to the other party or post about your case online—anything you say can be used against you. Preserve all relevant evidence, including emails, documents, and communications.
Missing deadlines or failing to preserve evidence are the most common mistakes. Courts won’t grant extensions just because you didn’t understand the rules. Our firm helps you strategize from day one, ensuring you don’t miss critical steps or deadlines. The right legal guidance in the first 48 hours can make all the difference in protecting your rights and building a strong defense.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, and laws and legal interpretations may change after the date of publication.
Written by:
Gil Sánchez, Esq.
CEO | Civil Trial Attorney
Black Rock Trial Lawyers
Abogados Law
