State-Specific Tenant Protections

Florida Tenant Rights & Protections

Florida Fair Housing Act (Fla. Stat. Ch. 760) prohibits housing discrimination and is enforced by the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FHAP agency). The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. Ch. 83, Part II) governs rental housing. Florida has no statutory cap on security deposits, but landlords must hold them in a separate account or post a surety bond and return them within 15-30 days. Month-to-month tenancies require 30 days' notice. Retaliation is prohibited (Fla. Stat. 83.64); a landlord who retaliates may be liable for up to 3 months' rent or actual damages, whichever is greater.

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Key Protections

What Florida Law Protects

Security Deposit Limit

No state cap

Eviction Notice Minimum

30 days

Retaliation Presumption

365 days

Rent Control

No statewide rent control

Fair Housing Protections

Florida Fair Housing Act

Fla. Stat. §§ 760.20-760.37

Protected Classes

RaceColorNational originSexHandicap/DisabilityFamilial statusReligion

Filing Information

Filing Agency

Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR)

Filing Deadline

1 year (365 days) from the alleged discriminatory act

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Key Provisions

  • Covers discrimination in rental advertising, terms/conditions, and provision of services
  • Protects against retaliation for filing complaints or participating in investigations
  • FCHR investigates complaints and may issue a determination of reasonable cause
  • Tenant may file in state court if FCHR has not completed investigation within 180 days

Available Remedies

  • Compensatory damages (actual losses)
  • Punitive damages
  • Injunctive relief (stop discriminatory practice, restore tenancy)
  • Attorney's fees and court costs
  • Civil penalties up to $10,000 for first offense, $25,000 for second within 5 years, $50,000 for third within 7 years
Tenant Protection Laws

Additional Florida Tenant Protections

Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Fla. Stat. §§ 83.40-83.683

The Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs rental agreements, security deposits, maintenance obligations, and eviction procedures. It includes provisions prohibiting retaliatory conduct by landlords against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as complaining about code violations or joining tenant organizations.

  • Landlord may not discriminatorily increase rent, decrease services, or threaten eviction in retaliation
  • Retaliation prohibited when tenant complains to government agency about building code violations
  • Retaliation prohibited when tenant exercises rights under the lease or under law
  • Landlord must maintain the premises in compliance with building, housing, and health codes
  • Specific requirements for notice periods, security deposit handling, and eviction procedures
Important Deadlines

Filing Deadlines in Florida

Missing a deadline can forfeit your legal claim. Know your windows.

Law / AgencyDeadlineFiled With
Federal Fair Housing Act (HUD)300 daysHUD (via state FHAP agency)
Federal Fair Housing Act (Court)2 yearsFederal or state court
FL FHA1 year (365 days) from the alleged discriminatory actFlorida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR)

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Legal Disclaimer

This page provides general legal information about Florida tenant rights for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Laws change frequently; verify current statutes with your state agency or a qualified attorney. If you believe your rights have been violated, consult a licensed landlord-tenant attorney in Florida.