What Happens if You Fall Behind on Mortgage Payments in Florida?

Falling behind on mortgage payments in Florida can feel overwhelming. Whether you missed one payment or several, the pressure can build fast. Late notices. Phone calls. The fear of foreclosure.

If you're behind, you’re not alone. Thousands of Florida homeowners find themselves in the same position each year. The good news? You still have options, and RealtyZoom is here to help you move forward.

This blog covers what happens when you fall behind, what your legal rights are, and how to sell your house before foreclosure damages your credit.

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First: Don’t Ignore the Problem

Missing a mortgage payment doesn't mean you're out of options. But the longer you wait, the fewer choices you’ll have.

Florida lenders usually begin contacting you as soon as a payment is missed. At 30 days past due, you may receive a default notice. After 90 days, foreclosure could begin.

What to do now:

  • Contact your lender and ask about hardship options
  • Review your mortgage terms
  • Check your mail and email regularly
  • Start planning your next steps

The Florida Foreclosure Timeline

Foreclosure in Florida is a legal process. It takes time, and there are windows where you can take action.

Here’s how it usually unfolds:

  • Day 1: Missed payment
  • 30+ Days: Default notice
  • 90+ Days: Foreclosure filed in court
  • 4 to 6 months: Court hearings and judgment
  • Auction scheduled: Home sold publicly if not resolved

During this process, you still have the right to sell your house, repay the balance, or negotiate with your lender. Florida law requires that homeowners receive notice and have time to respond.

Take a Look at What Local Home Sellers Say About Us

We've partnered with sellers across Florida through foreclosure, inheritance, relocation, and more, delivering a smooth, stress-free experience from start to finish. These testimonials reflect our commitment to fairness, clarity, and putting homeowners first.

See why so many people recommend us to be your local Florida homebuyers:

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"Ryan sells homes quickly for top market value."

Ryan has a unique selling process that sells homes quickly for the highest market value. He is extremely responsive and has excellent negotiation skills. I highly recommend him.

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Chip581

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"Glennis and the RealtyZoom team were fantastic to work with."

Glennis was fantastic to work with as well as the whole RealtyZoom team. Very responsive, communicative, and pleasant all around. I wholly recommend them for anyone's sale or purchase needs.

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Greg L.

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Why Selling Fast May Be the Best Option

If your income has changed, your debt is piling up, or your lender won’t work with you, it might be time to sell.

Here’s why many homeowners in - choose to sell quickly:

  • Stop dealing with lender calls and deadlines
  • Avoid legal fees and court costs

With RealtyZoom, you don’t have to repair the house, clean, or wait for buyer approvals. We make a real offer, and you choose the timeline.

What Are Your Options?

Falling behind doesn't automatically mean losing your home. There are ways to take control before things go too far.

1. Loan Modification

Lenders may agree to modify your loan if you qualify. This could mean lowering the interest rate, extending the term, or adding missed payments to the loan balance.

2. Forbearance

Some lenders offer temporary payment relief. This delays payments for a few months but doesn’t erase them.

3. Reinstatement

If you have access to funds, you can bring the loan current by paying everything owed, including late fees.

4. Short Sale

If your home is worth less than you owe, you may be able to sell it with your lender’s approval.

5. Sell to a Cash Buyer

A direct sale is often the fastest way to stop foreclosure and move forward. RealtyZoom buys houses in Florida for cash, fast, as-is, and with no agent fees.

Explore this option: How to Sell Your House Fast in Florida Without Repairs or Agent Fees

You Can Sell With Tenants, Liens, or Damage

Foreclosure stress is bad enough, but many homes also have other issues like tenants, code violations, or unpaid taxes.

RealtyZoom still buys houses with:

  • Active tenants or family occupants
  • Probate complications or inherited ownership
  • Back taxes or utility bills
  • Cosmetic or structural damage

Related: Selling a Rental Property with Tenants in Florida

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How We Help Florida Sellers in Tough Spots

RealtyZoom works directly with sellers facing foreclosure. We’re not agents or middlemen. We buy houses with our own funds and close through a licensed title company.

Our process:

  1. Call us or fill out the short form
  2. Get a real cash offer in 24 hours
  3. Pick your closing date (as fast as 7 days)

You can stop the foreclosure clock and move forward with confidence.

Can I Sell After Foreclosure Starts?

Yes. Florida is a judicial foreclosure state, meaning the process must go through court. Until the home is officially sold at auction, you still own it and have the right to sell.

This window is your opportunity to act. A fast sale can:

  • Pay off the loan before auction
  • Remove the foreclosure from your record
  • Give you back control of your situation

Even if you’ve already received a court date, it’s not too late to reach out.

Inherited the house? Selling an Inherited House in Florida? Here’s What You Need to Know

What If I Have No Equity?

Many homeowners worry they can’t sell because they owe more than the home is worth. This is where working with a cash buyer can still be an option.

We’ll evaluate the full situation, including liens, back taxes, and market value, to see what’s possible. In some cases, we can structure a solution that avoids foreclosure even without equity.

Every case is unique. Let’s talk.

What You Gain by Acting Early

Waiting only gives lenders more control. Acting early means:

  • You get to choose your solution, not the court
  • You have more time to plan your next move
  • You reduce the risk of long-term damage to your credit

With RealtyZoom, we’re focused on helping Florida homeowners sell fast and start fresh. We’ll work with you to meet your deadline and simplify the entire process.

Common Questions About Mortgage Relief and Selling

Can you buy the house if I'm more than 90 days late?
Yes. We’ve helped homeowners sell even after foreclosure has been filed.

What happens to my credit after foreclosure?
A foreclosure can stay on your report for 7 years. Selling before that happens protects your score.

Do you work with banks or lenders?
We work independently but coordinate with your lender to ensure a clean title transfer.

How fast can you close?
In as little as 7 days, or on your schedule.

Do I need to move out right away?
No. We can work with your timeline, giving you flexibility to transition.

Why RealtyZoom Is Different

Our team is based in Florida and knows the foreclosure process inside and out. We’ve helped homeowners in -, 32081, and across Florida sell quickly and move forward.

When you work with us, you get:

  • A direct buyer, not an agent or wholesaler
  • A fair offer with no lowballing
  • Full transparency throughout the sale
  • Help navigating foreclosure timelines and paperwork

You’re not just selling a house. You’re reclaiming control.

Get Your Free Cash Offer Now!

Fill out this form to get your no-obligation all cash offer started!

Get Your Free Offer TODAY!

Fill In This Form To Get Your No-Obligation All Cash Offer Started!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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Stop Foreclosure Before It Starts

If you’re even one payment behind, now’s the time to take action. Florida’s foreclosure timeline moves fast, but with the right partner, so can you.

Whether you’re in -, or anywhere in Florida, RealtyZoom is ready to make you a fair cash offer.

Call (904) 677-5440 or fill out the form to start the process today.