Two years ago I rented a house in Florida to a friend with a 1 yr lease. Things were going well and when the lease expired, he and I did nothing to renew it, but continued the rent as in the past. Somewhere along the line, he allowed his girlfriend and her children to move in. Unfortunately, he has been arrested for a serious crime and I do not expect him to be free for years. The girlfriend is still in the house. I am out of state, and have not had any luck having her get in touch with me. I do not believe she will be able to afford the rent. The utilities are in my name as well. The rent has been paid through the end of this month. Since I do not think she will be able to afford the rent, I would like to have her leave. What is the best way to accomplish this? I currently reside in Ohio. Can I disconnect the utilities? Do I have any recourse if she gets mad and trashes the house?

Do not disconnect the utilities. That is an illegal eviction.

If I were in your position the first thing I would do is talk to her. Ask her if she can afford the rent. If she admits that she can't then you can try to work out some timing with her as to when she'll leave. If the two of you reach an agreement you have to send her a letter confirming that she has agreed to end her tenancy and move out as of the agreed-upon date.

If you can't reach an agreement with her then you have to send her a written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, with a copy sent by regular mail. In the notice you have to inform her that her tenancy is terminated. I would give her at least 30 days. If she hasn't moved out within that time then you have to file a lawsuit for eviction.