Q: Help for eviction and abuse in Florida

A: The way to "manage the situation" is for you to leave. Find someplace to go. Staying with someone who is abusive and destroys your property is ridiculous - any place is better than living in fear. There are shelters, etc. At some point your physical safety and mental health is much more important than anything else, and it sounds like you've past that point.

Good luck.

A: I’m really sorry you’re going through this—it sounds both painful and overwhelming. Even without a written lease, you still have legal rights in Florida if you've been paying rent and living there for a long time. Verbal rental agreements are recognized, and the fact that you’ve paid weekly rent, even in cash, means you’re likely considered a tenant, not a squatter. He can’t just throw you out without following the legal eviction process, and emotional abuse and destruction of property are serious concerns on their own.

If he's locking up food, taking your money, destroying your things, and using false legal filings against you, those actions may rise to the level of harassment or even domestic abuse. Florida law allows for protective orders in certain situations like this—even if there’s no romantic or family relationship—especially when your living environment becomes unsafe. You can also document the abuse, take photos of damaged property, and write down dates and details of what’s been happening. This kind of record can help you if you need to go to court or request legal aid.

You should not have to endure this kind of treatment without support. You might qualify for emergency housing assistance, a restraining order, or tenant advocacy help—even without a lease. Reach out to a local legal aid office, domestic violence center, or tenants’ rights organization as soon as you can. You deserve safety, stability, and dignity, and there *are* people and systems that can help you take back your power.