Florida Tenant Rights Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed September 05, 2017
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Whether you rent a home all the way up in Tallahassee or an apartment near the beaches of Miami, it's likely you'll need to know about landlord-tenant law at some point during your tenancy. In addition to the terms of your rental contract, there are many federal, state, and local laws designed to guide the rental process and protect your rights as a tenant. Read on to learn more about Florida tenant rights laws.
Florida Tenant Rights Laws: From Application to Termination
When you hear about tenants' rights, you might automatically think about eviction laws. However, these rights cover everything from the application process to after you've moved out. For example, both federal and Florida law prohibit discrimination against rental applicants and tenants based on protected characteristics like race, religion, or familial status. And once you move out, your landlords has 30 days to let you know why they intend to keep any part of your habitable living conditions. For example, if your landlord fails to make repairs necessary for health and safety you may not have to pay rent during that time. And if you're worried about the ramifications of relying on any of these tenant laws, you'll be relieved to know that it's also illegal for a landlord to retaliate against someone who exercises their tenant rights.
Florida Tenant Rights Laws at a Glance
The following chart provides a summary of Florida's landlord-tenant laws, including links to key statutes.
Statutes |
|
Security Deposits |
|
Paying Rent |
|
Living Conditions |
|
Discrimination |
|
Ending or Renewing a Tenancy |
|
Retaliation |
|
Note: State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Florida Tenant Rights Laws: Related Resources
- Florida Lease and Rental Agreement Laws
- Tenant Lease Agreement FAQs
- Tenants' Rights Basics
- U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development in Florida
Know and Protect your Florida Tenant Rights Laws
Dealing with a landlord-tenant issue can be very stressful and confusing, especially when trying to grasp all your rights and obligations under the law. While many issues can be resolved directly with your landlord, some may require you to take legal action. Receive a free initial case review today to get help understanding and defending your Florida tenant rights.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.
Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.