MEXICAN TO GO

PALM BEACH MARKETPLACE -v- ALEYDA’S MEXICAN, No. 4D12-570, slip op.(Fla. 4th DCA, October 24, 2012)

Petition for Mandamus was filed to compel the trial court to enter a default judgment and writ of possession.  Tenant had failed to timely post rent into the court’s registry that came due and owing, as required by F.S. §83.232.  The statute provides that failure to post rent alleged as past due, or that subsequently comes due, in an action for possession is an absolute waiver of defenses entitling the landlord to immediate default for possession. 

​This is a ministerial duty of courts, meaning there is no discretion beyond that stated in the statute.  Although mandating entry of the writ of possession, the appellate court reminded the trial court that the statute only speaks to a default for possession and not to any entitlement to money damages or even to the funds previously deposited.