Sheriff Chronister orders suspension of eviction proceedings

Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, or the coronavirus, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will suspend the execution of any eviction proceedings until April 20, 2020.

"I cannot in good faith evict families from their homes because they are unable to work to pay their rent or mortgage during this national time of crisis," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Removing people from the security of their homes during this vulnerable time would be a contradiction to our mission at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office: to protect and serve."

HCSO will continue to accept writs of possession. Property owners and landlords may still file for evictions with the courts, but HCSO will not execute any eviction orders during the suspension period. The $90 fee paid to HCSO to serve an eviction notice remains non-refundable.

"I am fully aware that the decision to temporarily suspend evictions will also have an economic impact on property owners and landlords," said Sheriff Chronister. "I ask for your understanding and spirit of cooperation as we all work through this national emergency together."

A State of Emergency has been enacted at the federal, state and local levels. This suspension will allow HCSO to utilize law enforcement resources in a manner most beneficial to the safety and welfare of our entire community. An average of 733 evictions are served every month in Hillsborough County, and currently, there are more than 260 evictions that are open and waiting to be executed.