Florida landlord tenant laws

Florida's landlord-tenant relationship, founded upon the constitutional principles established in the Florida State Constitution (effective March 3, 1845), is primarily 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 2023 and 2024, including new month-to-month tenancy notice periods, security deposit alternatives, anti-squatting protections, and new flood risk disclosure requirements.

Official Law Citation: The rules governing residential landlord-tenant relationships in Florida are primarily found in Florida Statutes Title VI, Chapter 83, Part IIPreview unavailable, known as the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Key Florida Landlord-Tenant Laws at a Glance

Recent Changes (2024–2025)

Month-to-Month Notice Period

Effective July 1, 2023, landlords must now give 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy - increased from the previous 15-day requirement under § 83.57.

Security Deposit Alternatives (2023)

Under § 83.491, 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 under § 82.036 to remove unauthorized occupants (squatters) without going through the full eviction process, streamlining property recovery.

Flood Risk Disclosures (2025)

Effective 2025, landlords must provide a separate flood-disclosure statement under § 83.512 for residential leases, including known flood damage, past flooding, and flood insurance claims.

Preemption of Local Ordinances (2023)

Local tenant protection ordinances that conflict with Chapter 83 were invalidated by HB 1417 and are preempted to the state under § 83.425, 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 as required by § 83.49. Deposits must be held in a separate Florida banking institution account or posted as a surety bond.

For more detail, see our Security DepositsPreview unavailable 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 30-day notice for month-to-month termination. Possession actions are typically heard in the County Court of the jurisdiction where the property is located. Self-help evictions are strictly prohibited.

For more detail, see our Eviction ProcessPreview unavailable guide.

Required Disclosures

Landlords must disclose agent identification, the location and terms of security deposit holding (§ 83.49), and (as of 2025) flood risk information (§ 83.512). Lead-based paint disclosure is federally required for pre-1978 homes.

For more detail, see our Required DisclosuresPreview unavailable guide.

Rent Increases

Florida has no rent control. Landlords must provide notice consistent with the tenancy period (30 days for month-to-month under § 83.57). The regulation of residential tenancies, including notice requirements, is preempted to the state under § 83.425. Local ordinances that conflict with state law are superseded.

For more detail, see our Rent IncreasesPreview unavailable 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 under § 83.47.

For more detail, see our Lease RequirementsPreview unavailable guide.

Maintenance Obligations

Under § 83.51, 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 ObligationsPreview unavailable 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 FeesPreview unavailable guide.

Getting Started with Compliance

Navigating Florida's evolving landlord-tenant use - 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.

How Landager Helps

Landager tracks lease terms, document generation, and lease execution tracking - making it easy to stay compliant with Florida regulations.