Archive

Florida’s Proposed Order Fiasco 

Recent changes to Florida’s proposed-order process push judgment preparation onto landlords, with county-by-county—and judge-by-judge—requirements, opaque rejections, and limited electronic filing. FLN adapted, but independent owners face an unreasonable trial-and-error burden.

October 2026 FLN Market Monitor™

Florida rents are flat while concessions climb: the statewide median asking rent held at $2,499 (−0.04% annually) with Tampa Bay and Jacksonville listings advertising concessions on nearly two-thirds of units, according to Realtor.com's August 2026 data.

Florida Law Limits Rental Registry

Jacksonville's new rental-property database puts housing records within easier reach of tenants, but its launch also highlights a significant limit on local government authority: Florida law reserves regulation of residential tenancies and the landlord-tenant relationship to the state.

Florida Stood Out 

Miami ranked as the nation's most competitive rental market and Port St. Lucie posted the largest gain among smaller markets in RentCafe's 2025 study — with a practical lesson on weighing rent increases against tenant turnover costs.

New Florida Law Criminalizes Rental Application Fraud

Effective October 1, 2026, a new Florida law makes it a third-degree felony to provide fraudulent information or forged documents on a residential rental application. This legislation provides landlords with clearer legal grounds to issue a 7-day notice to vacate without an opportunity for the tenant to cure the violation.

You May Need a Business Tax Receipt

Florida has no statewide landlord business license, but counties and cities levy Local Business Taxes with wildly different rules — Miami-Dade exempts 1–4-unit apartments, Charlotte taxes only short-term rentals, and some cities require a receipt for every single-family rental. Check both the county and the municipality before assuming anything.

Legal Aid Society Launches Property Tool

Jacksonville renters can now search three years of city code enforcement records by address through a new Stable Housing Coalition tool.

Deadline Nears for Landlord Claims 

A Pittsburgh landlord's takings lawsuit over the CDC's pandemic-era eviction moratorium is part of a widening push for federal compensation — with filing deadlines approaching, affected owners are urged to act promptly.

Workforce (Low Income) Housing 

Florida's continuing population growth and shortage of affordable rentals big demand for workforce housing (low income housing)

Hillsborough County

Owners of short-term vacation rentals in unincorporated Hillsborough County will soon face annual registration, a $200 fee and new local-contact and inspection requirements beginning January 1, 2027.

NYC Tenant Complaints Heard In Days

Under the new procedure, qualifying cases may receive an initial court appearance within approximately five days, while unpaid rent cases languish for months.

Florida Security Deposit Rules: 

Recent updates to Florida rental law resources emphasize the importance of staying current with security deposit regulations. Landlords are reminded that compliance with state statutes is essential to avoid legal penalties and ensure smooth lease terminations.

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.

"Source of Income" 

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.