Civil Department
The main function in the Civil Department is to serve process, which includes non-enforceable papers and enforceable papers. The office staff receives and processes the paperwork for the deputies to serve. The majority of our papers are non-enforceable
Quick attention to this paperwork is the Civil Departments number one priority. The Civil Department is also responsible to the public, either in person at the Sheriff’s Office or by telephone, to give the most current information and updates on service and to clearly explain our policies and procedures, which are created based upon the Rules of Civil Procedure, the Rules of Judicial Administration and the Florida Statutes. However, we are not able to give legal advice.
To see recent serves, view our Civil Data
***2023 New Civil Process Legislation Update***
Service on Unknown Parties in Possession §48.184
Legal Change Effective July 1, 2023. The new amendment to Florida Statute §48.184, Unknown Parties In Possession (F.S. §48.184), changes the procedure on how to handle service on
Unknown Parties in Possession and becomes law on or after July 1, 2023. Remember, §48.184 itself
just became a new law on January 1, 2023, which established a procedure that required
Plaintiff’s/Landlords to list as a Defendant any “Unknown Party in Possession” when the name of
the occupant is not known to the Plaintiff/Landlord, to allow for service of process on the unknown party. That new law required a separate summons for each such unknown occupant.
Legal Analysis. This newest law change amends the prior law to allow (1) ONE initial
Summons (and Complaint) to be issued in the name of “Unknown Party or Parties in Possession”
for ALL unknown parties in possession, starting July 1, 2023. The Summons will state “Unknown
Party or Parties in Possession.” Please note the plural throughout the amended law such as “occupant or occupants” and “party or parties.”
Fees
The below fees are charged by the Civil Department.
NOTE: Fees are earned upon receipt of Civil Process when each "Request of service" is made, and by Florida Statute these fees are non-refundable. Fees are based on one defendant or respondent or witness, fee is per party served. Fees must be cash, money order or business checks. NO PERSONAL CHECKS.
Non-Enforceables
Summons, Subpoenas, Notices, Garnishments, Notices of Tax Sale and all other non-enforceables including alias and pluries
*The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office does serve out of state non-enforceable papers. We still follow Florida statute for service. The fees remain the same for out of state process. |
$40.00 |
Enforceables
| Writs of Replevin, Writs of Bodily Attachment and Writs of Possession |
$90.00 |
Levy Minimum Cost Deposit
| Vehicles, small boats and small trucks |
$3,000.00 |
Real Property
*The advance cost deposits may be more substantial if additional cost must be incurred such as locksmith, electrician, heavy equipment operator, etc. However, the cost deposit includes the following statutory fees. |
$800.00 |
| Personal Property (i.e. Household or Office Furnishings) |
*Deposit amounts will vary depending on the quantity and size of the items being levied upon. A complete inventory list will need to be seen by the Levy Clerk of the Civil Department before an amount is determined |
| Sheriff's levy or demand of property |
$50.00 |
| Preparing Newspaper Advertisement |
$40.00 |
| Certified Mail to all Parties |
Cost will vary |
| Holding Sheriff's Sale |
$40.00 per sale |
| Bill of Sale or Sheriff's Deed |
$40.00 |
| Satisfaction of Judgment |
$40.00 |
| Filing/Recording fee |
Actual clerk fees |
| Processing Writ and Preparing File |
$40.00 |
**Filing fee paid to Clerk of Court and is required for both notice and release of levy PLUS – Actual expenses incurred for newspaper advertisement, storage, haulage and officer stand-by fee. Actual costs may be more or less. After costs are paid for levy, the balance of cost deposit is refundable.
Please make business checks and money orders out to Hernando County Sheriff's Office. Money orders must be signed by purchaser.
DOCUMENTS AND FEES CAN BE MAILED OR HAND DELIVERED AS FOLLOWS: (MON - FRI, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EXCLUDING LEGAL HOLIDAYS) TO:
Hand delivery to:
Hernando County Sheriff's Office
Main Lobby Civil Window
Located at 18900 Cortez Blvd
Brooksville, FL 34601
Mail send to:
Hernando County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Civil Department
P.O. Box 10070
Brooksville, FL 34603-0070
