Florida Self-Storage Lien Law: Notice, Online Auction Rules

Florida Self-Storage Lien Law: 2026 Overview

Florida self-storage liens are governed by Florida Statutes §§ 83.801–83.809, known as the Florida Self-Storage Facility Act. A significant 2023 amendment added online advertising as a permitted method, giving operators more flexibility in how they advertise lien sales.

Step 1: Preliminary Lien Notice

Before advertising the sale, you must send written notice to the occupant. Florida requires:

• Delivery by first-class mail or email to the occupant's last known address/email
• The notice must include the amount due, the date the amount was due, and a statement that the property will be sold to satisfy the lien
• A minimum of 14 days must elapse between the date notice is sent and the date of the sale

Unlike some states, Florida allows email as the sole method of notice, provided the rental agreement includes a valid email address and the tenant did not opt out of electronic notices.

Step 2: Advertisement

After the 14-day cure period, you must advertise the sale. Florida's 2023 amendment now allows two methods:

Method A: Newspaper Advertisement

Publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the facility is located, once a week for two consecutive weeks.

Method B: Online Advertisement (2023 Amendment)

Alternatively, publish notice on a publicly accessible website that regularly conducts or advertises self-storage lien sales for at least 7 consecutive days. Platforms like Storage Treasures and AuctionZip qualify.

The advertisement must include a general description of the property, the name of the occupant, and the time and location of the sale.

Step 3: Lien Sale Procedures

The sale must be a public sale. Florida specifically allows online auctions. Key requirements:

• The sale must occur at the time and date specified in the advertisement
• The operator may bid at the sale
• Proceeds are applied first to the lien amount (rent + late fees + lien costs), then to the occupant
• Any surplus proceeds must be held for the occupant for 2 years before reverting to the operator

Florida-Specific Considerations

Vehicle and Watercraft Storage

Florida has separate procedures for motor vehicles and watercraft stored at a self-storage facility, governed by Florida Statutes § 713.78. These require a separate notice process and involvement of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Do not use the standard lien sale process for titled vehicles.

Personal Property Remaining After Termination

If an occupant has vacated but left property behind, Florida law allows the operator to use the lien sale process or, alternatively, to dispose of the property as abandoned after 14 days if the value is under $500.

Florida Lien Law Quick Reference

• Statute: Florida Statutes §§ 83.801–83.809
• Notice method: First-class mail or email (if email on file and not opted out)
• Cure period: 14 days from date of notice
• Advertisement: 2 consecutive weeks (newspaper) or 7 consecutive days (online, per the 2023 amendment)
• Sale type: Public auction (in-person or online)
• Surplus proceeds: Held for occupant for 2 years