Florida Hospital Initiates Legal Action to Evict Long-Term Patient

A hospital in Florida is taking legal action against a former patient who, despite being cleared medically for discharge, has reportedly refused to vacate her hospital room for the past five months.

Earlier this month, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) initiated a lawsuit, alleging the woman was officially discharged on October 6, 2025, yet continues to occupy an inpatient room.

According to the complaint, which was acquired by the Tallahassee Democrat, “TMH staff made repeated efforts to assist the defendant in safely completing discharge.” The hospital reportedly offered various forms of assistance, including coordinating with her family and arranging non-emergency medical transportation to help her obtain necessary identification.

Hospital authorities have expressed concern that this extended stay is depleting their limited resources and hindering the provision of care to other patients in need.

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare is suing a former patient who it says has refused to leave for five months after being medically cleared and formally discharged. (Google Maps)

“TMH has limited inpatient beds,” the complaint states. “The defendant’s continued occupancy prevents use of the bed for patients needing acute care.”

The hospital claims the former patient’s refusal to leave is impacting its number of beds needed for sick patients. (iStock)

Despite its efforts, the woman remained in the hospital as of March, according to the filing.

TMH is now seeking a court order requiring her to leave and authorizing the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to assist in removing her if necessary.

A general view of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on April 18, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images)

A hearing is scheduled for March 30.

It is unclear how often hospitals resort to legal action to remove patients who refuse to leave after discharge.

TMH told Fox News Digital in an email requesting comment on the matter that “TMH is not able to discuss active legal matters, including background details.”

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