Florida Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners

Florida's landlord-tenant relationship is governed by Chapter 83, Part II of the Florida Statutes, known as the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. The state has enacted several significant changes in 2024 and 2025, including new month-to-month tenancy notice periods, security deposit alternatives, anti-squatting protections, and upcoming flood risk disclosure requirements.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney in Florida for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Key Florida Landlord-Tenant Laws at a Glance

Recent Changes (2024–2025)

Month-to-Month Notice Period (2024)

Effective 2024, landlords must now give 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy — increased from the previous 15-day requirement.

Security Deposit Alternatives (2023–2024)

Landlords can now offer tenants the option of paying a non-refundable monthly fee instead of a traditional security deposit. Landlords cannot require both. Installment payment plans for deposits are also now permitted.

Anti-Squatting Law — HB 621 (2024)

Effective July 1, 2024, landlords can request sheriff intervention to remove unauthorized occupants (squatters) without going through the full eviction process, streamlining property recovery.

Flood Risk Disclosures (October 2025)

Starting October 1, 2025, landlords must provide a separate flood-disclosure statement for leases of one year or longer, including known flood damage, past flooding, and flood insurance claims.

Preemption of Local Ordinances (2024)

Local tenant protection ordinances that conflict with Chapter 83 were invalidated beginning July 1, 2024, ensuring statewide uniformity.

Security Deposits

Florida places no cap on security deposit amounts. Landlords must return deposits within 15 days (no deductions) or provide written notice of deductions by certified mail within 30 days. Deposits must be held in a separate Florida banking institution account or posted as a surety bond.

For more detail, see our Security Deposits deep dive.

Eviction Process

Florida's eviction process begins with written notice: a 3-day notice for nonpayment, a 7-day notice for lease violations, or a 15-day notice for month-to-month termination. Self-help evictions are strictly prohibited.

For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.

Required Disclosures

Landlords must disclose agent identification, the location and terms of security deposit holding, and (starting October 2025) flood risk information. Lead-based paint disclosure is federally required for pre-1978 homes.

For more detail, see our Required Disclosures guide.

Rent Increases

Florida has no rent control. Landlords must provide notice consistent with the tenancy period (30 days for month-to-month). Some local jurisdictions, such as Miami-Dade County, require 60 days' notice for increases over 5%.

For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.

Lease Requirements

Oral leases are valid for terms under one year. Written leases must comply with Chapter 83. Certain clauses — such as waivers of the right to a court proceeding — are prohibited.

For more detail, see our Lease Requirements guide.

Maintenance Obligations

Landlords must maintain the premises in compliance with building, housing, and health codes and keep the structure, plumbing, heating, and common areas in good repair. Tenants must keep the premises clean and sanitary.

For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.

Late Fees

Florida does not cap late fees but requires them to be reasonable and specified in the lease. A grace period is not mandatory but is recommended.

For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.

Getting Started with Compliance

Navigating Florida's evolving landlord-tenant landscape — from new deposit alternatives to flood disclosures — requires diligent tracking. Landager helps Florida landlords manage lease terms, track deposit deadlines, and stay ahead of regulatory changes across their entire portfolio.