The Florida Rules of Procedure allow (not require) a plaintiff to seek a default against a defendant/party that does not file an answer with the clerk. If you think you qualify for legal aid, you should file with the clerk and send to the plaintiff or his lawyer a letter asking for an enlargement of time to consult counsel. Take it to the court house now, not next week, along with a copy for file stamping for your records.
Once the clerk enters a default it is sometimes difficult to the get judge to vacate it.
You can seek legal assistance after the 20 day period. If a Default has been entered against you, you may require the assistance of an attorney to file a Motion to Set Aside the Default. You should seek advice as soon as possible to show the Court that you have done something to fix the problem of not responding within the time period.
