Last updated: April 2026
Bradenton renters are protected by Florida’s statewide landlord-tenant law — with rules on security deposits, habitability, eviction notice, and self-help eviction bans. There is no local rent control, and Florida law bars any city from enacting one.
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Bradenton is the county seat of Manatee County, located on the south bank of the Manatee River near the Gulf Coast. The city is part of the greater Tampa Bay area and has a sizable rental market that includes retirees, working families, and seasonal residents. All landlord-tenant relationships in Bradenton are governed entirely by Florida state law.
The Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 83.40–83.682) establishes the rules for security deposits, habitability, eviction procedures, and tenant protections. Bradenton has not enacted any local tenant ordinances beyond state law. The most common tenant concerns involve security deposit returns, repair obligations, and eviction procedures.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a pressing housing issue, contact Gulf Coast Legal Services or a qualified Florida attorney.
Bradenton has no rent control, and Florida law prohibits it. In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed HB 1431, banning all local rent stabilization ordinances statewide. No city or county in Florida — including Bradenton and Manatee County — may enact rent caps by ordinance or ballot initiative.
Your landlord in Bradenton may raise rent by any amount at the end of a lease term or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy. There is no cap on increases, no required justification, and no local agency reviewing rent changes. The only statutory protection against retaliatory rent hikes is Fla. Stat. § 83.64, which bars landlords from raising rent because a tenant exercised a legal right.
During a fixed-term lease, your landlord generally cannot raise rent until the lease expires unless the lease explicitly permits mid-term increases.
Florida’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 83.40–83.682) provides Bradenton renters with the following key protections:
Habitability (Fla. Stat. § 83.51): Landlords must maintain rental units in compliance with applicable building, housing, and health codes. If your landlord fails to make essential repairs, deliver a written 7-day notice under Fla. Stat. § 83.56(1). If the issue is not corrected within seven days, you may have the right to terminate the lease or pursue damages.
Security Deposit Rules (Fla. Stat. § 83.49): Landlords must hold deposits in a Florida bank and notify tenants of the deposit location within 30 days. If no deductions are made, the deposit must be returned within 15 days. If deductions are claimed, the landlord must send written itemized notice within 30 days; the tenant then has 15 days to object. Failure forfeits the right to deduct.
Notice Requirements (Fla. Stat. § 83.57): To end a month-to-month tenancy, either party must give at least 15 days’ written notice before the end of the rental period. Week-to-week tenants are entitled to 7 days’ notice.
Anti-Retaliation (Fla. Stat. § 83.64): A landlord may not raise rent, reduce services, or file eviction in retaliation for a tenant reporting code violations, organizing a tenant group, or asserting legal rights.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Fla. Stat. § 83.67): Self-help eviction is illegal. Tenants subjected to lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removal of belongings without a court order may sue for actual damages plus attorney’s fees and court costs.
Florida law governs how Bradenton landlords must handle security deposits under Fla. Stat. § 83.49.
No statutory cap: Florida does not limit the amount a landlord may charge. Bradenton has no local cap, so landlords may require any amount — market norms typically run one to two months’ rent.
Holding requirements: Within 30 days of receiving a deposit, the landlord must give written notice of the Florida banking institution holding the funds and whether the account is interest-bearing (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(2)).
Return deadline — no deductions: If no deductions are made, the deposit must be returned within 15 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant provides a forwarding address.
Return deadline — with deductions: If the landlord intends to keep any portion, they must send written itemized notice by certified mail within 30 days. The tenant then has 15 days to object.
Penalty for non-compliance: A landlord who fails to comply forfeits the right to any deduction and must return the full deposit. The tenant may also recover court costs and attorney’s fees under Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(c).
Evictions in Bradenton follow the Florida summary eviction process under Fla. Stat. §§ 83.56–83.62.
Step 1 — Written Notice:
Step 2 — Filing in County Court: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files in Manatee County Court. The tenant is served and has five days (excluding weekends and holidays) to file a written response.
Step 3 — Hearing and Judgment: Both parties may appear and present their case. A judgment for possession allows the landlord to request a Writ of Possession.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: A Manatee County Sheriff’s deputy serves the Writ. The tenant has 24 hours to vacate (Fla. Stat. § 83.62).
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal: Under Fla. Stat. § 83.67, landlords may not lock out tenants, shut off utilities, or remove belongings to force them out. Tenants may sue for actual damages plus attorney’s fees.
No. Bradenton has no rent control, and Florida state law prohibits any city or county from enacting it. In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed HB 1431, which banned all local rent stabilization ordinances statewide. Landlords in Bradenton may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
There is no legal limit. Florida has no rent control law, and HB 1431 (2023) prohibits local rent caps. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be raised until the term expires unless the lease permits it. On a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must give at least 15 days’ written notice before a new rate takes effect (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).
If no deductions are made, the deposit must be returned within 15 days after your tenancy ends and you provide a forwarding address (Fla. Stat. § 83.49). If deductions are claimed, the landlord must send written itemized notice by certified mail within 30 days; you then have 15 days to object. Failing to meet these deadlines forfeits the landlord’s right to any deduction.
For non-payment of rent, your landlord must give a 3-day written notice to pay or vacate (Fla. Stat. § 83.56(3)). For a lease violation, a 7-day notice to cure or vacate is required (Fla. Stat. § 83.56(2)). To end a month-to-month tenancy without cause, 15 days’ written notice is required (Fla. Stat. § 83.57). The landlord must then file in Manatee County Court before you can be removed.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Florida. Under Fla. Stat. § 83.67, a landlord cannot change locks, remove doors, disconnect electricity or water, or remove your belongings to force you out. Tenants may sue for actual damages plus attorney’s fees and court costs.
Florida law requires landlords to maintain rental units in compliance with building and health codes (Fla. Stat. § 83.51). Deliver a written 7-day notice describing the problem (Fla. Stat. § 83.56(1)). If unresolved within seven days, you may terminate the lease or pursue damages. Report code violations to Manatee County Code Enforcement or contact Gulf Coast Legal Services.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information reflects Florida law as of April 2026, but laws and local regulations can change. RentCheckMe is not a law firm. If you are facing eviction, a security deposit dispute, or any other housing matter, consult a licensed Florida attorney or contact Gulf Coast Legal Services.
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