Eviction/habitability- needing advice please

[Sheena Varghese]

Hello,

I was hoping to get some insight into this situation I am currently working on.  I bought a property, whole sale, no inspection, etc.  I know, I should have had one but I knew going into it that it needed a lot of work, whole sale, transactions move very quickly here in FL.  I inherited the tenant who was behind on her rent claiming repairs weren't done, hence, rent was withheld.  She had also reported the prior owner to the county for landlord violations.  

When we met her to sign our lease after closing, she said she wanted to move out in 30 days.  So, we gave her that option and had her sign a month to month lease and stating she was going to vacate in 30 days.  She never moved out and stated she is looking for a place.  She has 4 children, single mother, so we said as long as you pay rent, you can continue month to month until you find a place or we need to give you a 30 day notice.   She decided to stay and not pay.  We filed eviction and are currently in the process.  She wrote a letter to the judge stating her repair concerns and why she hasn't paid.  The judge has asked her to pay what she is owed to us and then will proceed to mediation for her concerns of repairs, etc.  After we purchased the property, there has been water leakage and part of the ceiling came undone as well as the AC stopped working.  

I don't believe it is safe for her to be in there and I need to do the repairs and update the place without a tenant in there due to the safety issue.  Is there a clause for this?  I know it is state by state. I am in Florida  I called a lawyer and he said to give her 15 day notice. But what if she doesn't leave?  I am not comfortable with anyone living in the place.  The repairs need to be done.  Are there any provisions for this?

Thank you very much for any advice you all can provide.