A reference guide covering Florida residential landlord-tenant rules and requirements — security deposits, evictions, notice requirements, and tenant rights under F.S. Chapter 83.
⚠️ Important: This reference guide reflects landlord-tenant statutes as of April 2026. Requirements change — always verify current information with a licensed professional in your state before taking action. This is general reference information only, not professional advice.
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Security Deposits
Both Parties
Maximum Amount
Landlords may charge a maximum security deposit of 1.5x the monthly rent (F.S. 46:8-21.2). No additional pet deposits permitted on top of this limit.
Where to Hold
Must be deposited in a separate interest-bearing bank account within 30 days of receipt. Landlord must notify tenant in writing of the bank name, address, and account number (F.S. 46:8-19).
Return Timeline
Must be returned within 30 days after lease termination with an itemized written statement of deductions. Failure to comply entitles tenant to double the deposit amount.
Annual Adjustment
If deposit exceeds 1.5x due to a rent increase, landlord may collect additional deposit equal to 10% of the existing deposit per year.
Deductions Permitted
Unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, costs of re-letting if tenant breaks lease early.
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Eviction & Notice Requirements
Landlord Right
Just Cause Required
FL requires 'just cause' for eviction — one of 18 specific grounds listed in F.S. Chapter 83. No-cause evictions are not permitted.
Nonpayment of Rent
3-day written notice to pay or quit. After 3 days landlord may file in Superior Court, Special Civil Part.
Lease Violations
1-month written notice to cure or quit. If not cured within 1 month, landlord may file for eviction.
Disorderly Conduct / Damage
3-day unconditional quit notice for willful destruction or serious disorderly conduct.
No-Fault (Owner Occupancy)
3-month notice required. Tenant entitled to relocation assistance equal to 1-3 months rent depending on circumstances.
Court Filing
All evictions must go through the courts. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal and subject to significant penalties.
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Rent & Rent Increases
Both Parties
Statewide Rent Control
Florida has no statewide rent control law. However, over 100 municipalities have local rent control ordinances.
Key Municipalities
Miami, Jersey City, Hoboken, Trenton, Camden, Elizabeth and many others have rent stabilization. Always check local ordinances before raising rent.
Notice Period
Month-to-month tenancies require at least 30 days written notice before a rent increase takes effect. Fixed-term leases cannot be increased mid-term.
Annual Notice
Best practice is to provide 60-90 days notice for rent increases to allow tenant time to decide whether to renew.
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Habitability & Repairs
Tenant Protection
Warranty of Habitability
Landlords must maintain all rental units in a habitable condition including adequate heat, hot water, plumbing, structural safety, and freedom from pests (F.S. 2A:42-85).
Repair & Deduct
FL does not have a statutory repair-and-deduct remedy. Tenants must request repairs in writing and may pursue rent withholding through court proceedings.
Rent Withholding
Tenants may file in court to withhold rent into escrow if landlord fails to maintain habitable conditions after reasonable written notice.
Heat Requirement
Landlords must provide heat of at least 68°F between 6am-11pm and 65°F between 11pm-6am from October 1 through May 1.
Landlord Entry
Landlord must provide reasonable notice (generally 24 hours) before entering except in emergencies.
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Lease Requirements
Both Parties
Truth in Renting Act
FL requires landlords to give tenants the 'Truth in Renting' booklet published by the FL Department of Community Affairs before or at lease signing (F.S. 46:8-43).
Owner Disclosure
Landlord must disclose the name and address of the property owner and any authorized managing agent in writing (F.S. 46:8-27).
Lead Paint Disclosure
Properties built before 1978 require EPA-mandated lead paint disclosure and distribution of the 'Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home' pamphlet.
Anti-Discrimination
Landlords may not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, domestic partnership, civil union status, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, source of lawful income, or age.
Retaliation Prohibited
Eviction or rent increase within 90 days of a tenant complaint to a government agency is presumed retaliatory under FL law.
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Tenant Rights
Tenant Protection
Right to Organize
Tenants have the right to organize tenant associations without interference or retaliation from landlords.
Domestic Violence
Tenants who are victims of domestic violence may terminate their lease early with 30 days notice and documentation (F.S. 46:8-9.7).
Military Service
Active duty military members may terminate leases early under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Lockout Prohibition
Landlords may not change locks, remove doors/windows, or shut off utilities to force a tenant out. Penalties include actual damages plus $1,000 minimum.
Receipt Required
Tenants may request a written receipt for rent payments. Landlord must provide within 5 days.
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Official State Resources
Reference Only
Official Handbooks & Guides
The following are official government and state bar resources. Leasova does not control or maintain these external links — always verify information directly with the source.
Leasova LLC is not a law firm. AI-generated documents are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney for legal guidance.