Florida Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Florida has no rent control anywhere in the state. A 2023 law specifically prohibits local governments from enacting rent caps, even if voters approve them. Florida tenants do have protections around deposits, notice, and habitability.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Florida at a Glance

Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Florida banned local rent control in 2023 (HB 1431), overriding ballot measures that had passed in Orange County and other jurisdictions.

What Protections Florida Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Florida law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

If the landlord makes no deductions, they must return your deposit within 15 days. If they intend to make deductions, they must send written notice within 30 days — you then have 15 days to object. Failure to follow the process forfeits the right to deduct (Fla. Stat. § 83.49).

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenants are entitled to 15 days' written notice before termination. Week-to-week tenants get 7 days (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).

Repairs & Habitability

Landlords must maintain the premises in a habitable condition. If yours won't make essential repairs, you can serve a 7-day written notice. If there's still no action, you may terminate the lease or pursue other remedies (Fla. Stat. § 83.56).

Retaliation Protection

Landlords cannot raise rent or threaten eviction in retaliation for complaining to a housing inspector, joining a tenant organization, or exercising any legal right (Fla. Stat. § 83.64).

Lockout & Utility Shutoff

Self-help eviction is illegal. A landlord cannot remove doors, lock you out, or intentionally interrupt utilities to force you out. You can sue for actual damages plus attorney's fees (Fla. Stat. § 83.67).

Major Cities in Florida

Miami — No rent control; Orange County rent cap was struck down by HB 1431 (2023).
Orlando — No rent control; Florida state protections apply.
Tampa — No rent control; Florida state protections apply.
Jacksonville — No rent control; Florida state protections apply.
Fort Lauderdale — No rent control; Florida state protections apply.

Florida Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Florida renters:

Florida Legal Services — Statewide nonprofit providing free civil legal help including housing and eviction matters.
Bay Area Legal Services — Free legal aid for low-income residents in the Tampa Bay area, including tenant rights.
Legal Services of Greater Miami — Free civil legal services for low-income Miami-Dade County residents.
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida — Free legal help for renters in Central Florida including Orlando, Daytona, and surrounding counties.
Florida AG – Landlord/Tenant Guide — Official state guide to landlord-tenant law, rights, and remedies.

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