Owning a rental property in Florida comes with important legal responsibilities. Understanding the rules around notices, deposits, screening, and lease terms helps protect both the rental home and the landlord. The laws below are some of the most commonly misunderstood areas, especially for newer landlords handling their own management.
1. Eviction Rules and Notice Requirements
Eviction procedures in Florida follow Chapter 83, Part II of the Florida Statutes. The steps are specific, and even small errors can cause delays.
A nonpayment eviction begins with a three-day notice to pay or vacate, which gives the tenant three business days to resolve the balance before a landlord is allowed to file in court. Weekends and legal holidays do not count toward the deadline.
A recent update allows the notice to be delivered electronically, but only when the tenant has signed an electronic delivery consent form. Without that written consent, electronic delivery is invalid.
Because eviction timelines are strict, many owners refer to practical guides that cover situations such as what happens when a tenant stops paying rent in Florida.
2. Security Deposit Handling and Compliance
Security deposits must be handled according to Florida law, and missing a step often leads to disputes.
Key timelines:
• Return the full deposit within 15 days when there are no deductions
• Provide written notice of deductions within 30 days, sent by certified mail
• Include itemized reasons for each deduction
Deposits must be stored in one of the following:
- A non-interest-bearing Florida bank account
- An interest-bearing account where the tenant receives the interest
- A posted surety bond
Accurate documentation helps protect both the tenant and the property owner. Some deposit questions intersect with financial reporting, and the IRS tax reporting guidelines offer helpful clarity.
3. Fair Housing Compliance in Screening and Advertising
Federal fair housing law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. These rules apply to marketing language, application screening, and how current tenants are treated.
Examples of violations include:
• Descriptions that discourage families
• Rejecting an applicant due to a service animal despite a no-pet policy
• Using inconsistent screening criteria across applicants
When documentation for a service or emotional support animal is valid, the animal must be accommodated as part of disability protections.
Many owners use a consistent set of criteria similar to those found in standard tenant screening practices usedhttps://www.managecentralfloridaproperty.com/orlando-tenant-screening in Orlando.
4. Lease Terms and Rent Rules in Florida
Florida is considered a landlord-friendly state, but certain rules must still be followed for leases and rent changes.
Key points include:
• Written leases are not mandatory but strongly recommended
• All non-refundable fees must be clearly disclosed in the lease
• Rent increases require at least 30 days’ notice; many owners use 60 days
• Late fees are enforceable only when included in the lease
• Oral agreements are legal but difficult to prove in case of a dispute
A well-structured lease helps avoid uncertainty if questions arise later. Owners converting a home into a rental often review resources like how to convert your home into a rental.
Key Takeaways
• Evictions require strict notice and documentation procedures.
• Security deposits must follow set timelines and be stored correctly.
• Fair housing law applies to advertising, screening, and accommodations.
• Written leases and proper disclosures help prevent disputes.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s landlord laws are clear when understood but easy to misinterpret without experience. Following consistent procedures and documenting each step helps protect both the rental property and the tenancy. If you want help reviewing your processes or need clarity on local requirements, State Property Management is available anytime to assist.
Legal Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Florida landlord–tenant laws can change, and the application of these laws may vary based on individual circumstances. Property owners should consult a licensed Florida attorney before making any legal decisions.