Tenant Rights in Longwood, Florida

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1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Longwood

Longwood is a mid-sized city in Seminole County, located in the greater Orlando metropolitan area. Like much of Central Florida, Longwood has experienced sustained population growth and rising rents in recent years, making tenant rights knowledge especially important for the city's substantial renter population. Renters here are governed entirely by Florida's statewide landlord-tenant framework — there are no additional local ordinances that expand or modify those baseline protections.

The most common questions Longwood renters have involve security deposit returns, how much advance notice a landlord must give before ending a tenancy, and what options exist when a landlord refuses to fix serious maintenance issues. Florida law addresses all of these under Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes, which sets out clear timelines, remedies, and tenant rights that apply uniformly across every city and county in the state, including Longwood.

This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights law can be complex and fact-specific. If you are facing an eviction, lease dispute, or habitability crisis, you should consult a qualified attorney or contact a local legal aid organization.

2. Does Longwood Have Rent Control?

Longwood has no rent control, and Florida law prohibits any local government from enacting it. In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed HB 1431, which was signed into law and is codified at Fla. Stat. § 125.0103 (for counties) and Fla. Stat. § 166.0435 (for municipalities). These statutes explicitly forbid Florida counties and cities from adopting, enforcing, or maintaining any ordinance or policy that controls or limits the amount a landlord may charge for rent.

This law was enacted partly in response to a November 2022 voter-approved ballot measure in Orange County — which borders Seminole County — that had temporarily authorized rent stabilization. HB 1431 nullified that measure and foreclosed the possibility of similar local action anywhere in Florida, including Longwood and the rest of Seminole County. No voter referendum or local ordinance can override this state preemption.

In practice, this means your landlord in Longwood can raise your rent by any amount at any time, as long as they provide proper advance notice before the increase takes effect. For a month-to-month tenancy, that means at least 15 days' written notice under Fla. Stat. § 83.57. For a fixed-term lease, the rent is locked in for the duration of the lease term, and any increase can only take effect upon renewal.

3. Florida State Tenant Protections That Apply in Longwood

Although Longwood has no local tenant ordinances, Florida's statewide landlord-tenant law — found in Chapter 83, Part II of the Florida Statutes — provides a meaningful set of protections that apply to every residential renter in the city.

Habitability (Fla. Stat. § 83.51): Landlords in Longwood are legally required to maintain rental units in a condition that complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes keeping roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, heating, and structural components in reasonable working order. Tenants also have a responsibility to maintain cleanliness and avoid damaging the property (Fla. Stat. § 83.52).

Right to Demand Repairs (Fla. Stat. § 83.56): If your landlord fails to make essential repairs that materially affect health or safety, you may serve a written 7-day notice specifying the needed repairs. If the landlord still fails to act within 7 days, you may have the right to terminate the lease or pursue legal remedies. You generally cannot simply withhold rent without following the statutory notice process.

Notice to Terminate (Fla. Stat. § 83.57): A landlord must give a month-to-month tenant at least 15 days' written notice before the end of a rental period to terminate the tenancy. Week-to-week tenants are entitled to 7 days' notice. These are minimum floors — a lease may provide longer notice periods.

Anti-Retaliation Protection (Fla. Stat. § 83.64): It is unlawful for a landlord to retaliate against a tenant by raising rent, reducing services, or threatening eviction because the tenant complained to a government agency about housing code violations, joined a tenant organization, or exercised any right protected under Florida law. A court may presume retaliation if adverse action occurs within a certain period after the tenant's protected activity.

Prohibition on Self-Help Eviction (Fla. Stat. § 83.67): A landlord cannot remove doors or windows, change locks, or deliberately interrupt or shut off electricity, water, or other essential services to force a tenant out. Doing so is illegal regardless of whether the tenant owes rent. A tenant subjected to such conduct may recover actual damages or three months' rent — whichever is greater — plus court costs and attorney's fees.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Longwood

Florida's security deposit rules are governed by Fla. Stat. § 83.49, which applies uniformly to all residential rentals in Longwood. Florida does not cap the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit, so landlords may set deposit amounts at their discretion — often one to two months' rent.

Where deposits must be held: Landlords must hold security deposits in one of three ways: (1) in a separate non-interest-bearing account in a Florida bank or savings institution; (2) in a separate interest-bearing account with interest paid to the tenant (or held for the tenant); or (3) by posting a surety bond with the clerk of the circuit court. The landlord must provide written notice of this within 30 days of receiving the deposit.

Return deadline — no deductions: If the landlord makes no claim against the deposit, they must return it in full within 15 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates.

Return deadline — with deductions: If the landlord intends to make any deductions, they must send the tenant written notice by certified mail within 30 days after the tenancy ends, itemizing the claimed damages. The tenant then has 15 days to object in writing. If the tenant does not object, the landlord may deduct the claimed amounts and return the balance.

Penalty for non-compliance: A landlord who fails to give the required 30-day notice of intent to impose a claim forfeits the right to make any deduction from the deposit. Additionally, a landlord who wrongfully withholds a deposit may be liable for the deposit amount plus damages under Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3). Normal wear and tear may not be deducted from a security deposit.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Longwood

Evictions in Longwood follow the Florida residential eviction process set out in Chapter 83, Part II of the Florida Statutes. A landlord must always go through the court system — there is no legal shortcut.

Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing in court, the landlord must serve the tenant with written notice. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction:

• Nonpayment of rent: 3-day written notice to pay rent or vacate (Fla. Stat. § 83.56(3)). Weekends and legal holidays do not count toward the 3 days.
• Lease violation (curable): 7-day written notice to cure the violation or vacate (Fla. Stat. § 83.56(2)(b)).
• Lease violation (incurable or repeat): 7-day written notice to vacate with no option to cure (Fla. Stat. § 83.56(2)(a)).
• Termination of month-to-month tenancy (no cause): 15-day written notice before end of the rental period (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).

Step 2 — Court Filing: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction complaint (unlawful detainer action) in Seminole County Court. The tenant will be served with a summons and has 5 business days to file a written response. Failure to respond can result in a default judgment for the landlord.

Step 3 — Hearing and Judgment: If the tenant responds, the court will schedule a hearing. A judge will consider both sides and issue a judgment. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a Writ of Possession.

Step 4 — Writ of Possession: The Writ of Possession is served by the Seminole County Sheriff. The tenant generally has 24 hours to vacate after the writ is posted. The Sheriff then returns to enforce the writ if the tenant remains.

Self-Help Eviction is Illegal (Fla. Stat. § 83.67): A landlord in Longwood cannot change locks, remove doors, shut off utilities, or otherwise attempt to force a tenant out without going through the court process. These acts are illegal regardless of whether the tenant owes rent, and the tenant may recover actual damages or three months' rent — whichever is greater — plus attorney's fees.

No Just Cause Required: Florida does not require landlords to provide a reason for ending a month-to-month tenancy. However, evictions that are retaliatory (punishing tenants for exercising legal rights) may be challenged under Fla. Stat. § 83.64.

6. Resources for Longwood Tenants

• Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida — Free civil legal aid for low-income renters in Central Florida, including Seminole County. Handles eviction defense, habitability disputes, and other housing matters. This is the most locally relevant resource for Longwood tenants.
• Florida Legal Services — Statewide nonprofit providing free civil legal assistance on housing, eviction, and tenant rights matters. Also publishes legal self-help resources for Florida renters.
• Florida Attorney General — Landlord/Tenant Rights Guide — The official state guide to Florida landlord-tenant law, including a plain-language summary of tenant rights, deposit rules, and the eviction process.
• Bay Area Legal Services — Free legal aid serving low-income residents in the Tampa Bay region; may serve some Central Florida residents depending on eligibility and case type.
• Legal Services of Greater Miami — Free civil legal services for low-income residents in South Florida; a resource for statewide referrals and housing rights information.

Frequently Asked Questions