Boca Raton is one of South Florida's most desirable cities, and renters here rely on Florida state law for all tenant protections. Here's what the law provides in Palm Beach County.·Updated April 2026
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Key Takeaways
See whether Florida permits rent control in Boca Raton below.
Learn Florida's security deposit return rules and the penalties landlords face for breaking them.
Find the notice periods Florida law requires before ending your tenancy.
See whether just-cause eviction protections apply to your tenancy in Boca Raton.
Learn what local ordinances supplement Florida tenant law in Boca Raton.
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County (laspbc.org), Florida Legal Services (floridalegal.org)
1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Boca Raton
Boca Raton is an affluent coastal city in Palm Beach County, known for its upscale residential neighborhoods, Florida Atlantic University, and a growing professional community. Its rental market spans luxury apartments, condominiums, and townhomes. Like all Florida cities, Boca Raton cannot enact local rent control — a 2023 state law explicitly prohibits it.
Renters in Boca Raton are governed entirely by Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, found at Fla. Stat. Chapter 83. Key provisions cover security deposit handling, habitability obligations, retaliation protections, and the prohibition on self-help eviction.
2. Does Boca Raton Have Rent Control?
Boca Raton has no rent control, and a Florida law enacted in 2023 explicitly prohibits any local government in the state from enacting rent control ordinances — even if local voters approve them. Landlords in Boca Raton can raise rent by any amount at lease expiration or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy. There is no ceiling on rent increases anywhere in Florida.
3. Florida State Tenant Protections That Apply in Boca Raton
Boca Raton renters are covered by Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. Chapter 83):
Security Deposit: No state cap on deposit amounts. If your landlord makes no deductions, the deposit must be returned within 15 days of move-out. If deductions are claimed, the landlord must send written notice within 30 days — you then have 15 days to object. Failure to follow this process forfeits the right to make any deductions (Fla. Stat. § 83.49).
Notice to Terminate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 15 days' written notice before the landlord can end the tenancy; week-to-week tenants get 7 days (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).
Habitability: Landlords must maintain the premises in habitable condition. After a 7-day written notice, if repairs are not made, tenants may terminate the lease or pursue other remedies (Fla. Stat. § 83.56).
Retaliation Protection: Landlords cannot raise rent or threaten eviction in retaliation for complaining to a housing inspector, joining a tenant organization, or exercising any legal right (Fla. Stat. § 83.64).
No Self-Help Eviction: Lockouts, door removal, and intentional utility interruption to force a tenant out are illegal. You can sue for actual damages plus attorney's fees (Fla. Stat. § 83.67).
4. Security Deposit Rules in Boca Raton
Florida's deposit rules are procedurally strict. Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, if your Boca Raton landlord makes no deductions, the deposit must be returned within 15 days of move-out. If the landlord intends to make deductions, they must send written notice of the claim within 30 days — you then have 15 days to object in writing. A landlord who misses this 30-day deadline or fails to follow the proper notice procedure loses the right to make any deductions at all. There is no cap on how much a landlord can charge as a deposit. Document your unit's condition thoroughly at move-in and move-out with timestamped photos.
5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Boca Raton
Evictions in Boca Raton must follow Florida's court-supervised process under Fla. Stat. § 83.56. The landlord must first serve written notice — typically a 3-day pay-or-quit for nonpayment of rent, or a 7-day notice to cure for lease violations. For month-to-month terminations, at least 15 days' written notice is required (Fla. Stat. § 83.57). If unresolved, the landlord must file in Palm Beach County Court and obtain a judgment before you can be removed. Self-help eviction is illegal — lockouts, utility cutoffs, and door removal are prohibited (Fla. Stat. § 83.67). Florida does not require just cause to decline renewing a lease.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Boca Raton and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.
Check Your Address
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
No. Boca Raton has no rent control, and a 2023 Florida law explicitly prohibits any local government in the state from enacting rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much can my landlord raise my rent in Boca Raton?
There is no legal limit on rent increases in Boca Raton or Florida. Your landlord can raise rent by any amount at lease expiration or with proper written notice on a month-to-month tenancy.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Boca Raton?
If no deductions are claimed, 15 days from move-out. If deductions are claimed, the landlord must send written notice within 30 days — and you have 15 days to object (Fla. Stat. § 83.49). Missing the 30-day notice deadline forfeits the landlord's right to make any deductions.
What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Boca Raton?
For nonpayment, a 3-day pay-or-quit notice. To end a month-to-month tenancy, at least 15 days' written notice (Fla. Stat. § 83.57). After notice, the landlord must file in Palm Beach County Court and obtain a judgment before you can be removed.
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Boca Raton?
No. Self-help eviction is illegal under Fla. Stat. § 83.67. Lockouts, utility shutoffs, and door removal are all prohibited. You can sue for actual damages plus attorney's fees. Contact the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County if this happens.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Boca Raton?
Under Fla. Stat. § 83.56, serve your landlord a 7-day written notice of the habitability issue. If they fail to act, you may terminate the lease or pursue other remedies. Document the problem and all communications. The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County can provide guidance on your options.
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