In the heart of Miami's Little Havana, more than 200 families residing at the Silver Court mobile home park on Calle Ocho have been given until September to vacate their homes. This follows a notice posted on their doors on March 11, announcing the closure of the 65-year-old park.
The Miami Herald reports that the landowner, 1989 Sunny Court LLC, a subsidiary of California's Marquis Property Company, has yet to disclose what will replace the park, though they promise it will bring "value" to South Florida.
Silver Court, along with the Sunnyside/West Haven park in West Miami, was acquired by the company in 2021 for a total of $50 million.
Incentives for Early Departure
To encourage residents to leave early, the company offers $10,000 to those who vacate by May 31, $5,000 for departures by July 15, and $2,500 for those who leave by the end of August. This is in addition to Florida's state compensation, which ranges from $1,375 to $6,000 depending on the trailer's size.
Economic Devastation
Many residents face insurmountable challenges in moving their homes, as they are cemented in place, making relocation either structurally impossible or prohibitively expensive.
Joseph Madera, a 46-year-old math teacher and informal leader of a group challenging the eviction terms, described the situation as a "social catastrophe" and "economic devastation." He criticized the $10,000 offer as insufficient, equating it to about three months of rent.
During a homeowner meeting, one resident suggested, to applause, that $60,000 and a three-year timeline would be more appropriate compensation.
Personal Stories of Loss
Awilda Suriel, 43, represents one of the most poignant stories. After saving for seven years by working over ten hours daily as an Uber driver, she purchased her trailer for $45,000 two years ago, investing an additional $20,000 in upgrades. With three children and no savings left, she is at a loss for where to go. "I thought I would live here for the rest of my life," she lamented, adding, "I have nowhere to go."
Another resident, Teresa Álvarez, a 93-year-old Costa Rican, bought her trailer in 1993 for $8,000 and has since improved it to a value of about $50,000. Living alone without children or a spouse, she expressed her heartbreak: "I am devastated, having to leave my little house, having to leave everything." After her story gained attention, a neighbor named Katia offered her a place to stay.
Calls for Legislative Change
Republican State Senator Ileana García, whose district includes Silver Court, described the residents as "a very, very vulnerable population" and expressed her shock at the lack of protections for mobile home owners. García pledged to advocate for legislative reforms that would extend notice periods to nine to twelve months and ensure compensation reflects trailers' appreciated value.
The closure of Silver Court mirrors the fate of the Li'l Abner park in Sweetwater, which was cleared in 2025, impacting about 900 families and leaving several elderly residents homeless.
In a previous legislative session, bills in both Florida chambers sought to more than double relocation and abandonment compensations, but both efforts stalled in committee.
"We recognize they own the land," Madera stated, "but there are ways to handle this that aren't so emotionally, psychologically, and economically crushing."
FAQs on Little Havana's Trailer Park Eviction
What is the deadline for families to vacate Silver Court?
Families have until September to leave Silver Court, following a notice announcing the park's closure.
Who owns the land where Silver Court is located?
The land is owned by 1989 Sunny Court LLC, a subsidiary of Marquis Property Company based in California.
What compensation is offered to residents who leave early?
Residents are offered $10,000 to leave by May 31, $5,000 by July 15, and $2,500 by the end of August, plus additional state compensation.