Tenant Rights in Kissimmee, Florida

Last updated: April 2026

Kissimmee renters are protected by Florida's statewide landlord-tenant law — covering security deposits, habitability, eviction notice, and self-help eviction bans. There is no local rent control, and state law prohibits any city or county from enacting one.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: None — prohibited statewide by Florida HB 1431 (2023); no local ordinance is permitted
  • Security Deposit: Returned within 15 days (no deductions) or 30-day written notice of deductions required; failure forfeits right to deduct (Fla. Stat. § 83.49)
  • Notice to Vacate: 15 days written notice for month-to-month tenancies; 7 days for week-to-week (Fla. Stat. § 83.57)
  • Just Cause Eviction: No just-cause requirement in Florida; landlords may terminate at-will tenancies with proper notice
  • Local Resources: Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (clsmf.org), Florida Legal Services (floridalegal.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Kissimmee

Kissimmee is the county seat of Osceola County and a city of approximately 80,000 residents in the greater Orlando metropolitan area. Known for its proximity to major theme parks, Kissimmee has a large and diverse rental market that includes long-term residential leases as well as short-term vacation rentals. Long-term renters in Kissimmee rely entirely on Florida state law for their protections.

All landlord-tenant relationships in Kissimmee are governed by the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 83.40–83.682). Kissimmee has not enacted any local tenant ordinances that go beyond state law. Common tenant concerns here include security deposit disputes, habitability issues, and understanding eviction procedures.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a pressing housing issue, contact Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida or a qualified Florida attorney.

2. Does Kissimmee Have Rent Control?

Kissimmee has no rent control, and Florida law prohibits it. In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed HB 1431, banning all local rent stabilization ordinances statewide. This law prevents any Florida city or county — including Kissimmee and Osceola County — from enacting rent caps, even through a voter initiative.

Your landlord in Kissimmee 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 that reviews rent changes. The only protection against retaliatory increases is Fla. Stat. § 83.64, which bars landlords from raising rent specifically 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 itself permits mid-term increases.

3. Florida State Tenant Protections That Apply in Kissimmee

Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 83.40–83.682) provides Kissimmee renters with several important protections:

Habitability (Fla. Stat. § 83.51): Landlords must maintain rental units in compliance with applicable building, housing, and health codes, including functioning plumbing, heating, roof, and windows. If your landlord fails to maintain habitable conditions, you may deliver a written seven-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 in court.

Security Deposit Rules (Fla. Stat. § 83.49): Landlords must hold deposits in a Florida bank and provide written notice of where the deposit is held within 30 days of receipt. If no deductions are made, the deposit must be returned within 15 days of lease termination. If deductions are claimed, the landlord must send written notice within 30 days; the tenant then has 15 days to object. Failure to follow this procedure forfeits the right to make any deduction.

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 retaliate by raising rent, reducing services, or filing eviction because the tenant complained to a housing authority, organized a tenant group, or asserted legal rights. Retaliation is presumed if adverse action is taken within one year of a protected activity.

Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Fla. Stat. § 83.67): Self-help eviction is illegal. A landlord who removes doors, disconnects utilities, or attempts to force out a tenant without a court order may be liable for actual damages plus attorney's fees.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Kissimmee

Florida law sets clear rules for how Kissimmee landlords must handle security deposits, found at Fla. Stat. § 83.49.

No statutory cap: Florida does not limit the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit. Kissimmee has no local ordinance adding a cap.

Holding requirements: Within 30 days of receiving a security deposit, the landlord must give the tenant 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 in writing.

Penalty for non-compliance: A landlord who fails to follow this procedure forfeits the right to make 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).

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Kissimmee

Evictions in Kissimmee follow the Florida summary eviction process governed by Fla. Stat. §§ 83.56–83.62.

Step 1 — Written Notice:

  • Non-payment of rent: 3-day written notice to pay rent or vacate (Fla. Stat. § 83.56(3)). Weekends and holidays are excluded.
  • Lease violation: 7-day written notice to cure or vacate (Fla. Stat. § 83.56(2)).
  • Month-to-month termination: 15 days' written notice before the end of the rental period (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).

Step 2 — Filing in County Court: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files an eviction complaint in Osceola County Court. The tenant is served with a summons 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. If the tenant fails to respond, the landlord may seek a default judgment.

Step 4 — Writ of Possession: After a judgment for possession, the landlord may request a Writ of Possession. An Osceola 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, a landlord may never lock out a tenant, shut off utilities, or remove belongings to force them out. Tenants subjected to such conduct may sue for actual damages plus attorney's fees.

6. Resources for Kissimmee Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kissimmee have rent control?

No. Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Kissimmee?

There is no legal limit. Florida has no rent control law, and HB 1431 (2023) prohibits local rent caps. During a fixed-term lease, your landlord generally cannot raise rent 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).

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

If your landlord makes no deductions, the deposit must be returned within 15 days after your tenancy ends and you provide a forwarding address (Fla. Stat. § 83.49). If the landlord intends to make deductions, they must send written itemized notice by certified mail within 30 days; you then have 15 days to object. Missing the deadline forfeits the right to make any deduction.

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

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 Osceola County Court — they cannot remove you without a court order.

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

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 subjected to self-help eviction may sue for actual damages plus attorney's fees.

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

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 the issue is not resolved within seven days, you may have the right to terminate the lease or pursue damages. Report code violations to Osceola County Code Enforcement or contact Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida.

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 Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida.

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