Last updated: April 2026
Largo renters are covered by Florida's statewide landlord-tenant law — which sets rules on security deposits, habitability, eviction procedures, and prohibits self-help evictions. There is no local rent control, and Florida law bars any municipality from enacting one.
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Largo is Pinellas County's second-largest city, with approximately 84,000 residents. Situated between Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Largo has an active rental market with a mix of apartment complexes, condos, and single-family homes. As housing costs in the Tampa Bay area have risen, tenant rights knowledge has become increasingly important for the many renters who call Largo home.
All landlord-tenant relationships in Largo are governed by the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 83.40–83.682). Largo has not enacted local tenant ordinances beyond state law. The most common tenant concerns here involve security deposit returns, habitability, and understanding the eviction process.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a pressing housing issue, contact Bay Area Legal Services or a qualified Florida attorney.
Largo 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 Largo and Pinellas County — may enact rent caps by ordinance or ballot initiative.
Your landlord in Largo 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, no required justification, and no local agency reviewing rent changes. The only statutory protection against rent hikes is the anti-retaliation provision under Fla. Stat. § 83.64, which bars landlords from increasing 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 permits mid-term increases.
Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 83.40–83.682) provides Largo renters with these core protections:
Habitability (Fla. Stat. § 83.51): Landlords must maintain rental units in compliance with applicable building, housing, and health codes. They must provide functioning plumbing, heating, roof, and windows. If your landlord fails to maintain habitable conditions, 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.
Security Deposit Rules (Fla. Stat. § 83.49): Landlords must hold deposits in a Florida bank and provide written notice of deposit location 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 receive 7 days' notice.
Anti-Retaliation (Fla. Stat. § 83.64): A landlord may not raise rent, reduce services, or threaten eviction in response to a tenant reporting code violations, organizing a tenant group, or asserting legal rights. Retaliation is presumed if adverse action occurs within one year of a protected activity.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Fla. Stat. § 83.67): Self-help eviction — removing doors, disconnecting utilities, or changing locks to force out a tenant — is illegal. Tenants subjected to self-help eviction may sue for actual damages plus attorney's fees.
Florida law sets clear rules for how Largo landlords must handle security deposits under Fla. Stat. § 83.49.
No statutory cap: Florida does not limit the amount a landlord may charge. Largo has no local ordinance adding a cap, so landlords may require any amount — market norms typically run one to two months' rent.
Holding requirements: Within 30 days of receiving a security deposit, the landlord must give written notice stating 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 Largo 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 an eviction complaint in Pinellas 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. A judgment for possession allows the landlord to request a Writ of Possession.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: A Pinellas 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 without a court order. Tenants subjected to such conduct may sue for actual damages plus attorney's fees.
No. Largo 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 Largo 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 Pinellas County Court.
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 the issue is not resolved within seven days, you may terminate the lease or pursue damages. Report code violations to Pinellas County Code Enforcement or contact Bay Area 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 Bay Area Legal Services.
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