Tenant Rights in Hollywood, Florida

Last updated: April 2026

Hollywood, Florida renters are covered by state law on deposits, habitability, and eviction — rent control is banned statewide since 2023, but Florida law includes meaningful tenant protections.

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1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Hollywood

Hollywood is a coastal city in Broward County, Florida, situated between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. All renter protections in Hollywood derive from Florida state law — the city has no local tenant ordinances that expand upon state rights. Florida law governs security deposits, habitability, retaliation, and eviction procedures.

2. Does Hollywood Have Rent Control?

Hollywood has no rent control. In 2023, Florida enacted HB 1431, which prohibits any city or county from establishing or enforcing rent control ordinances — even those approved by local voters. Landlords may raise rent by any amount, subject only to proper advance written notice requirements.

3. Florida State Tenant Protections That Apply in Hollywood

Florida state law provides Hollywood renters with the following protections:

• Security Deposit: If no deductions are made, the landlord must return the deposit within 15 days. For any deductions, written notice must be sent within 30 days — tenants have 15 days to object. Failure to comply forfeits the landlord's right to deduct (Fla. Stat. § 83.49).
• Notice to Terminate: Month-to-month tenants must receive 15 days' written notice; week-to-week tenants get 7 days (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).
• Repairs & Habitability: Landlords must keep the rental in habitable condition. Tenants may serve a 7-day written notice to repair; if no action follows, they may terminate or pursue other remedies (Fla. Stat. § 83.56).
• Retaliation Protection: Landlords cannot retaliate — through rent increases, eviction threats, or service cuts — against tenants who complain to inspectors, join tenant groups, or exercise any legal right (Fla. Stat. § 83.64).
• Lockout & Utility Shutoff: Self-help eviction is illegal. Landlords cannot lock you out or cut off utilities without a court order. Violations are subject to damages and attorney's fees (Fla. Stat. § 83.67).

4. Security Deposit Rules in Hollywood

Fla. Stat. § 83.49 governs security deposits in Hollywood. If a landlord makes no deductions, the deposit must be returned within 15 days of move-out. If the landlord intends to make deductions, they must mail a written itemized notice within 30 days — tenants then have 15 days to dispute the claim. A landlord who misses these deadlines forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the deposit. Document your unit's condition at move-in and move-out with photos and dated notes.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Hollywood

Hollywood landlords must follow Florida eviction law: serve a 3-day notice to pay rent or vacate for nonpayment, or a 7-day notice to cure for other violations. To end a month-to-month tenancy without cause, 15 days' written notice is required (Fla. Stat. § 83.57). If the tenant remains after the notice period, the landlord must file suit in Broward County Court. Lockouts, door removal, and utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal under Fla. Stat. § 83.67.

6. Resources for Hollywood Tenants

• Legal Services of Greater Miami — Free civil legal services for low-income South Florida residents including Broward County.
• Broward County Legal Aid — Free legal assistance for qualifying Broward County residents including tenant matters.
• Florida Legal Services — Statewide nonprofit offering free civil legal help including housing and eviction cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

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