Florida Hospital Files Lawsuit to Evict Patient Refusing to Leave for Five Months
In a highly unusual legal move, a hospital in Florida has turned to the courts to forcibly remove a former patient who has refused to vacate a hospital room for five months after being formally discharged. According to a lawsuit filed in early March, the woman was discharged from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) on October 6, 2025, but continues to occupy an inpatient room, prompting the hospital to seek judicial intervention.
Repeated Discharge Efforts and Legal Notices
The complaint details that TMH staff made repeated efforts to assist the defendant in safely completing her discharge. These efforts included coordination with family members and offers of non-emergency medical transportation to help her obtain necessary identification. Despite these attempts, the woman remained in the room, leading the hospital to issue a written notice nearly a month after her discharge, warning that legal action would be pursued if she did not leave.
"TMH has limited inpatient beds," the complaint states. "The defendant's continued occupancy prevents use of the bed for patients needing acute care." Additionally, hospital staff and resources are being diverted to address her continued presence, straining the facility's operations.
Hospital Seeks Court Order and Sheriff Assistance
The hospital is asking the court to order the woman to leave and authorize the Leon County Sheriff's Office to assist in her removal. It is unclear how common such circumstances are or how often TMH resorts to extreme measures for patient removal, as the hospital declined to comment on the case. A spokesperson stated, "TMH is not able to discuss active legal matters, including background details."
Timing Amidst Academic Medical Center Negotiations
This lawsuit coincides with TMH's negotiations with Florida State University to establish an academic medical center in Tallahassee. On March 11, the city voted to transfer the hospital to the university, advancing the healthcare enterprise. The ongoing legal dispute highlights challenges in hospital management and patient discharge protocols.
The former patient has not responded to phone calls requesting comment, leaving her reasons for refusing to leave unspecified. This case underscores broader issues in healthcare administration, including bed shortages and the legal complexities of patient eviction.
