Eric Holm, d/b/a Angels Diner, appeals from an order denying his motion for relief from a judgment against him for $927,222.00. That sum represents accelerated rent due on a twenty-year lease, discounted to present value, plus attorney’s fees and costs. Holm’s basis for relief pursuant to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.540(b)(5) is that the lessor, the Demetrees, who obtained the judgment, have since leased the property to other parties, and they are now collecting rent on the premises. Holm argues that it is therefore inequitable for the Demetrees to have a judgment for the full amount of the twenty-year lease, and receive rent from a third party, for the same period of time. See Quintero— Chadid Corp. v. Gersten,
However in this case, Holm did not appear for the trial nor did he appeal from the final judgment. A motion for relief pursuant to rule 1.540 is not a substitute for a timely motion for rehearing, or a timely appeal. A.W. Baylor Plastering, Inc. v. Mellon Stuart Co.,
Under these circumstances, mitigation or credit for rent received subsequent to an acceleration is not an appropriate ground for relief pursuant to Rule 1.540. See Sacco v. Slavin,
AFFIRMED.
