Florida

Florida Landlord Tenant Key Rules

Official Florida Forms:

 

Security Deposit

TOPIC	RULE
Security Deposit Maximum:	No maximum Fla. Stat. § 83.49
Security Deposit Interest:	Security deposit can be placed in a non-interest bearing account. If placed in interest-bearing account, the tenant receives 75% of the avg interest rate. Fla. Stat. § 83.49(a)(b)
Separate Security Deposit Bank Account:	Yes Fla. Stat. § 83.49
Non-refundable fees:	No statute
Pet Deposits and Additional Fees:	No statute
Deadline for Returning Security Deposit:	15 days if there are no deductions. If something is being deducted, landlord must notify tenant within 30 days of rental agreement termination. Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)
Permitted Uses of the Deposit:	No statute
Security Deposit can be Withheld:	Yes. With written notice within 30 days of termination of rental agreement Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)
Require Written Description/Itemized List of Damages and Charges:	Yes Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)
Receipt of Security Deposit:	Yes Fla. Stat. § 83.49
Record Keeping of Deposit Withholdings:	No statute
Failure to Comply:	If landlord doesn’t serve notice with intent to claim against security deposit, the right is forfeited. Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)

Lease, Rent & Fees:

TOPIC	RULE
Rent is Due:	Due at the beginning of the rent period unless otherwise stated in the terms of agreement. Fla. Stat. § 83.46(1)
Payment Methods:	No statute
Rent Increase Notice:	No statute
Late Fees:	No statute
Application Fees:	No statute
Prepaid Rent:	No statute
Returned Check Fees:	No statute
Tenant Allowed to Withhold Rent for Failure to Provide Essential Services (Water, Heat, etc.):	Yes. Landlord has 7 days to remedy after receiving written notice from the tenant. Fla. Stat. § 83.60
Tenant Allowed to Repair and Deduct Rent:	Yes Fla. Stat. § 83.201
Self-Help Evictions:	Not allowed Fla. Stat. § 83.67
Landlord Allowed to Recover Court and Attorney’s Fees:	Yes Fla. Stat. § 83.48
Landlord Must Make a Reasonable Attempt to Mitigate Damages to Lessee, including an Attempt to Re-rent:	Landlord is not required to give preference over other vacant units Fla. Stat. § 83.595

Notices and Entry:

TOPIC	RULE
Notice to Terminate Tenancy:	30-60 day notice for tenancies without specific durations Fla. Stat. § 83.57
Notice to Terminate a Periodic Lease – Week-to-week:	7 day notice Fla. Stat. § 83.57(4)
Notice to Terminate a Periodic Lease – Month-to-Month:	30 day notice Fla. Stat. § 83.57(3)
Notice to Terminate Lease due to Sale of Property:	No specific statute for sale of property. Refer to general notice of termination outlined in Fla. Stat. § 83.57.
Notice of date/time of Move-Out Inspection:	No statute
Notice of Termination for Nonpayment:	3-day notice to quit Fla. Stat. § 83.56(3)
Notice for Lease Violation:	7-day notice Fla. Stat. § 83.56
Required Notice before Entry:	24-hour notice required  Fla. Stat. § 83.53(2)
Entry Allowed with Notice for Maintenance and Repairs:	Yes Fla. Stat. § 83.53(1)
Emergency Entry Allowed without Notice:	Yes Fla. Stat. § 83.53(2)(b)
Entry Allowed During Tenant’s Extended Absence:	Yes Fla. Stat. § 83.53(2)(b)
Entry Allowed with Notice for Showing the Property:	Yes Fla. Stat. § 83.53(1)
Notice to Tenants for Pesticide Use:	No statute
Lockouts Allowed:	No Fla. Stat. § 83.67(2)
Utility Shut-offs Allowed:	No Fla. Stat. § 83.67(1)
Electronic Notices Allowed:	No statute

Disclosures

• Name and Addresses: Landlord must disclose in writing the name and address of the landlord and any person authorized to manage the premises or receive notices. (Fla. Stat. § 83.50)
• Copy of the Lease: Tenant must be provided with a copy of the lease agreement. (Standard practice)
• Domestic Violence Situations: Florida law does not currently provide an early lease termination right specifically for victims of domestic violence. However, landlords may voluntarily agree to termination. (No specific statutory provision)

Duties

Landlord’s Duties

• Compliance: Must comply with applicable housing codes. (Fla. Stat. § 83.51)
• Repairs: Maintain premises in good repair. (Fla. Stat. § 83.51)
• Common Areas: Keep clean and safe. (Fla. Stat. § 83.51)
• Maintenance: Maintain plumbing, electrical, and heating. (Fla. Stat. § 83.51)
• Garbage: Provide waste receptacles and removal if multi-unit dwelling. (Fla. Stat. § 83.51)

Tenant’s Duties

• Cleanliness: Keep unit clean and sanitary. (Fla. Stat. § 83.52)
• Trash: Dispose of garbage properly. (Fla. Stat. § 83.52)
• Plumbing: Keep fixtures clean. (Fla. Stat. § 83.52)
• Appliances: Use reasonably. (Fla. Stat. § 83.52)
• Damage: Do not destroy or damage premises. (Fla. Stat. § 83.52)
• Quiet Enjoyment: Must not disturb neighbors. (Fla. Stat. § 83.52)
• Subleasing: Only if lease permits. (Customary)
• Retaliation: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for lawful actions. (Fla. Stat. § 83.64)
• Lead Disclosure: Federal requirement for housing built before 1978.