Archive

Florida Landlord “Market Monitor” — August 2026

Florida’s average one-bedroom rent slipped 0.8% year over year to $1,695 in August, but the statewide figure masks wide regional divergence — from firm Pensacola and improving Jacksonville to a Southwest Florida market still working through excess supply.

What Renters Want in 2026

According to AppFolio's 2026 Renter Preferences Report shows that renters are more willing to move, but good maintenance, clear communication and a smooth move-in experience can significantly improve retention. The lesson for independent landlords is simple: renters value responsiveness and transparency more than expensive bells and whistles.

Federal Bill Would Add "Source of Income" to Fair Housing Law

The Landlord Accountability Act of 2025 aims to prohibit income-based housing discrimination and enhance protections for tenants in federally assisted housing. It also introduces a tax credit incentive for landlords who maintain low-income housing units.

Falling Reinsurance Costs 

Florida's property insurance market is showing signs of recovery, with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation reporting a 43% reduction in exposure over the past year. Legislative reforms aimed at curbing litigation are credited with helping to stabilize the market.

Four Events That Can Change a Florida Eviction

Even a straightforward eviction can change quickly when a landlord accepts partial rent, suspects abandonment, learns that a tenant has died, or receives notice of a bankruptcy. Each situation requires a careful pause before proceeding.

Virginia 

Virginia's July 1 law changes extend nonpayment notice to 14 days and require landlords to accept checks and money orders, with written receipts and fee-free payment options.

Two Shot Dead, Two Wounded in Jacksonville Pad-Split House

A domestic argument inside a Jacksonville rooming house ended with two people dead—including the suspected shooter—and two others hospitalized early Thursday morning.

Jacksonville Budget: No Funding for Proposed Rental Registry

Mayor Deegan's proposed FY 2026–27 budget omits funding for Jacksonville's rental-property registry and housing ombudsman, removes $250K in JALA supplemental funding, and no replacement ordinance has been filed more than a year after Resolution 2025-293 was withdrawn.

Independent Landlords Embrace AI & Professional Management

A new industry report highlights that small landlords are increasingly adopting AI tools and professional property management to meet modern tenant expectations. This shift signals a move away from traditional, manual operations toward more data-driven and strategic property oversight.

Woman Accused of Renting Homes She Did Not Own

A Jacksonville woman has been arrested after police say she advertised homes she did not own on Facebook Marketplace, collected deposits and rent, and allowed families to move in — leaving renters without housing and legitimate property owners with unauthorized occupants.

When a Tenant Dies

What Florida Landlords Must Do Before Taking Back the Rental

Rental Registry: News Coverage or Advocacy Campaign?

The Registry idea is getting great press —but no active legislation exists. Why?

Jacksonville's Housing Czar: Bureaucracy Without Benefits

A Solution in Search of a Problem

Citizens Insurance: 2026 Rate Reductions

Citizens Property Insurance is implementing a statewide average premium increase of 6.6% in 2026. These adjustments are part of an ongoing effort to align premiums with actuarial data and encourage the return of policies to the private market.

HUD Tightens the Leash on Emotional Support Animals

For years, emotional support animal requests have been one of the most confusing—and frequently abused—areas of fair housing law.

New Incentive Program: Renting to Veterans

A new housing initiative is giving Florida landlords another reason to consider renting to military veterans, combining financial incentives, damage protection, and ongoing case management.

$1 Billion Settlement For COVID Eviction Moratorium?

Nearly five years after the CDC's COVID-19 eviction moratorium ended, the federal government is reportedly in settlement discussions with attorneys representing approximately 1,800 landlords who claim financial losses from the ban.

New Federal Legislation Targets Institutional Investors

Congress has approved a sweeping bipartisan housing package that includes new restrictions on large institutional investors purchasing single-family homes — but most Florida landlords won't be affected.

Proposed Property Tax Cap

Florida voters may soon decide whether to cap annual property tax increases on rental properties under a proposed constitutional amendment modeled after the Save Our Homes cap.

New York Freezes Rent on 1,000,000 Apartments!

One of the most significant housing policy decisions in decades. Could it happen here?