The commercial rule has its own structure
Section 83.232 governs rent-registry obligations in covered nonresidential possession actions. It addresses alleged unpaid rent, disputes over the amount, ongoing rent, payment defenses, and court orders. Do not assume the residential procedure controls a commercial case.
Know what the amount dispute concerns
The statute limits the amount hearing to whether rental payments were properly credited and what constitutes rent under the lease. Organize the signed lease and ledger around those questions. Mark disputed categories separately and provide the supporting clause for each.
A counterclaim is not a deposit substitute
Section 83.232 states that a money-damages counterclaim does not relieve the tenant from depositing rent due. It also provides serious consequences for failure to deposit pursuant to a court order. Have counsel review the order, due dates, and actual registry record before requesting relief.
Keep the accounting current
Use one running reconciliation for direct payments, court deposits, new accruals, and credits. Share updates promptly. If several people collect payments, designate one person to verify the ledger before a hearing. The goal is a record that answers the amount question without reconstructing transactions at the podium.
Prepare for your conversation
Sources & further reading
Section 83.232, Florida Statutes ↗Source links checked during preparation on November 4, 2026. Statutes, lease terms, court orders, and the facts of a particular matter must be reviewed together.
