Tenant Rights in Davie, Florida

Last updated: April 2026

Davie is one of Broward County's largest towns, home to Nova Southeastern University and a diverse rental market. Here's a plain-language guide to your rights under Florida state law.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: None — Florida's 2023 law bans local rent control statewide (HB 1431). Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
  • Security Deposit: No statutory cap. If no deductions, deposit must be returned within 15 days; if deductions claimed, written notice required within 30 days (Fla. Stat. § 83.49). Failure to comply forfeits deduction rights.
  • Notice to Vacate: At least 15 days' written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).
  • Just Cause Eviction: Not required in Florida. Landlords may decline to renew without a stated reason.
  • Local Resources: Legal Aid Service of Broward County (legalaid.org), Florida Legal Services (floridalegal.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Davie

Davie is one of the largest towns in Broward County and in Florida, situated in the western suburbs of the Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area. Home to Nova Southeastern University, a significant equestrian community, and a diverse population, Davie has a substantial rental market that includes apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. Like all Florida municipalities, Davie has no local tenant protection ordinances — all renter rights come from Florida state law.

The governing statute is Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. Chapter 83), which sets rules on security deposits, habitability, notice requirements, retaliation protections, and the prohibition on self-help evictions. Legal Aid Service of Broward County is the primary free legal resource for renters in Davie.

This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

2. Does Davie Have Rent Control?

Davie has no rent control, and a 2023 Florida state law (HB 1431) explicitly prohibits all local governments in Florida from enacting rent control ordinances — even when voters approve them at the ballot. The law overrode rent control measures that had passed in Orange County and other jurisdictions. There is no cap on rent increases anywhere in Florida.

Landlords in Davie may raise rent by any amount at lease expiration or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy. There is no percentage ceiling, no required justification, and no local ordinance that limits the size of a rent increase.

3. Florida State Tenant Protections That Apply in Davie

Davie renters are covered by Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. Chapter 83):

  • Security Deposit: No state cap. If no deductions, deposit must be returned within 15 days of move-out. If deductions are claimed, written notice must be sent within 30 days — you have 15 days to object in writing. Failure to send the notice within 30 days 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; week-to-week tenants get 7 days (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).
  • Habitability: Landlords must maintain the premises in a 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, utility shutoffs, and door removal are illegal (Fla. Stat. § 83.67). You may sue for actual damages plus attorney's fees.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Davie

Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, Davie landlords must return your deposit within 15 days of move-out if they make no deductions. If they intend to make deductions, they must send written notice to your forwarding address within 30 days; you then have 15 days to object in writing. A landlord who fails to send this notice within 30 days loses the right to make any deductions — a critical procedural protection for renters.

There is no state cap on deposit amounts. Document your unit's condition at move-in and move-out with dated photographs and video to protect against improper deductions. Small claims can be filed in Broward County Court.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Davie

Evictions in Davie must follow Florida's court-supervised process. The landlord first serves written notice — a 3-day pay-or-quit notice 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 files in Broward County Court and must obtain a judgment before you can be removed.

Self-help eviction is illegal in Florida. Lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removal of doors are prohibited under Fla. Stat. § 83.67. You may sue for actual damages plus attorney's fees. Just cause is not required to decline renewing a lease in Florida.

6. Resources for Davie Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Davie have rent control?

No. Davie has no rent control, and Florida's 2023 law (HB 1431) prohibits all local governments 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 Davie?

There is no legal limit on rent increases in Davie or anywhere in Florida. Landlords may raise rent by any amount at lease expiration or with proper written notice on a month-to-month tenancy. Florida's 2023 rent control ban removed the last avenue for local caps.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Davie?

15 days if no deductions are claimed. If deductions are claimed, the landlord must send written notice to your forwarding address within 30 days — and you have 15 days to object in writing (Fla. Stat. § 83.49). Missing the 30-day deadline forfeits the landlord's right to make any deductions.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Davie?

For nonpayment, a 3-day pay-or-quit notice. For lease violations, a 7-day notice to cure. To end a month-to-month tenancy, at least 15 days' written notice (Fla. Stat. § 83.57). After notice, the landlord must file in Broward County Court and obtain a judgment before you can be removed.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Davie?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal under Fla. Stat. § 83.67. Lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removal of doors are all prohibited. You may sue for actual damages plus attorney's fees. Contact Legal Aid Service of Broward County if this occurs.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Davie?

Under Fla. Stat. § 83.56, serve your landlord a 7-day written notice of the habitability issue. If they fail to act, you may have the right to terminate the lease or pursue other remedies. Keep records of all written communications and contact Legal Aid Service of Broward County for guidance.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Davie and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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