Tenant Rights in Dunedin, Florida

Last updated: April 2026

Dunedin is a charming Pinellas County Gulf Coast city north of Clearwater. Florida banned local rent control in 2023, and state law governs all tenant rights on deposits, eviction notices, and habitability.

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Key Takeaways

Rent Control: No rent control. Florida banned local rent control ordinances statewide in 2023 (HB 1431).
Security Deposit: No statutory cap. If no deductions: return within 15 days. If deductions: 30-day notice to tenant, then 15 days to object (Fla. Stat. § 83.49).
Notice to Vacate: 15 days' written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).
Just Cause Eviction: No just-cause requirement. Landlords may decline to renew for any lawful, non-discriminatory reason.
Local Resources: Bay Area Legal Services (bals.org), Florida Legal Services (floridalegal.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Dunedin

Dunedin is a city of approximately 36,000 in Pinellas County, Florida, known for its Scottish heritage, waterfront downtown, and proximity to Honeymoon Island State Park. Florida banned local rent control in 2023 (HB 1431), and tenants in Dunedin are governed by Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. Chapter 83). Bay Area Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to income-eligible Pinellas County residents.

2. Does Dunedin Have Rent Control?

Dunedin has no rent control. Florida's HB 1431 (2023) banned all local rent control and rent stabilization ordinances statewide. Landlords may raise rent at lease renewal by any amount with 15 days' advance written notice for month-to-month tenancies (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).

3. Florida State Tenant Protections That Apply in Dunedin

Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies in Dunedin:

Security deposit: No cap. If no deductions: return within 15 days. If deductions planned: 30-day written notice; tenant has 15 days to object. Failure forfeits deduction rights (Fla. Stat. § 83.49).
Notice to terminate: 15 days for month-to-month tenancies (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).
Habitability: 7-day written notice for essential repairs; if unresolved, may terminate or pursue other remedies (Fla. Stat. § 83.56).
Retaliation protection: Prohibited for housing complaints or exercise of legal rights (Fla. Stat. § 83.64).
Lockout/utility prohibition: Self-help eviction entitles you to actual damages plus attorney's fees (Fla. Stat. § 83.67).

4. Security Deposit Rules in Dunedin

Florida sets no cap on security deposits. Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, if your landlord makes no deductions, the deposit must be returned within 15 days of move-out. If deductions are intended, the landlord must send written notice within 30 days; you then have 15 days to dispute. Failure to send the 30-day notice forfeits all deduction rights. Keep dated photos of the unit at move-in and move-out.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Dunedin

In Dunedin, landlords must follow Florida's eviction process: 3-day notice for nonpayment, 7-day notice for lease violations, or 15 days for month-to-month non-renewal (Fla. Stat. §§ 83.56–83.57). After the notice period, the landlord files in Pinellas County Circuit Court. Self-help eviction is illegal under Fla. Stat. § 83.67. The Pinellas County Sheriff executes eviction orders only after a court judgment.

6. Resources for Dunedin Tenants

Bay Area Legal Services: Free civil legal help for income-eligible Pinellas County residents — bals.org
Florida Legal Services: Statewide tenant rights resources — floridalegal.org
Pinellas County Circuit Court: Eviction filings — pinellasclerk.org
Florida AG – Landlord/Tenant Guide: Official overview — myfloridalegal.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dunedin have rent control?

No. Florida's HB 1431 (2023) banned local rent control statewide. Landlords in Dunedin may raise rent at renewal by any amount with 15 days' advance written notice for month-to-month tenancies.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Dunedin?

There is no cap. Florida banned local rent control in 2023. Your landlord must give 15 days' written notice before any increase takes effect on a month-to-month lease.

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

If no deductions: 15 days after move-out. If deductions intended: written notice within 30 days, then 15 days for you to dispute (Fla. Stat. § 83.49). Failure to send the 30-day notice forfeits the right to deduct.

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

For nonpayment: 3-day pay-or-vacate notice. For lease violations: 7-day notice. For month-to-month non-renewal: 15 days (Fla. Stat. § 83.57). Formal eviction is filed in Pinellas County Circuit Court.

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

No. Self-help eviction is illegal under Fla. Stat. § 83.67. A landlord who locks you out or cuts utilities without a court order faces liability for actual damages plus attorney's fees. Contact Bay Area Legal Services at bals.org immediately.

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

Under Fla. Stat. § 83.56, serve a 7-day written repair notice. If the landlord does not act, you may terminate the lease or pursue court remedies. Contact Bay Area Legal Services at bals.org for guidance.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change; consult a licensed Florida attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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