Archive

Renters Insurance Rate Cut

Florida OIR approved an average 12.8% decrease on American Modern's HO-4 renters insurance effective October 11, 2026, covering about 121,898 exposures. It affects tenants' policies, not landlords' building coverage.

Property-Tax Proposal: 

Amendment 3 on the November 2026 ballot would cut the non-homestead assessment cap from 10% to 5% starting January 1, 2027, but the savings depend on local tax rates, school levies, and future budget decisions.

Florida Landlord Law Update:

Chapter 2025-16 now allows email delivery of extermination notices under §83.51, while proposed air-conditioning and water-safety mandates (SB 322, HB 241, CS/HB 79, CS/CS/SB 658) failed to become law during the 2026 session.

When Did You Last See Your Rental?

Rent coming in doesn't tell you how the property itself is doing. Routine drive-by inspections, careful documentation, and consistent follow-up turn a quick exterior check into effective property management.

Florida Landlord Laws: 

Some Florida laws failed bills and pending proposals, including the rejected five-day notice, HB 1293's fraudulent-entry provisions, and the stalled property-tax amendment.

More Insurance Choices for Landlords: 

Two new insurers were approved to enter Florida's market in 2025 — a positive development for landlords, though real relief depends on renewal-time terms, not headline announcements.

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.

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.

The 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.

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.

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.