New Florida Law Targets Rental Application Fraud

A significant legislative update, Chapter 2026-143 (CS/HB 1293), took effect on October 1, 2026, providing Florida landlords and property managers with stronger tools to combat rental application fraud. The law specifically addresses individuals who gain possession of a residential unit by providing materially false information or using forged documents, such as fake pay stubs, counterfeit driver's licenses, or stolen identities.

Under the new Section 817.537, these actions are now classified as a third-degree felony. Beyond the criminal implications, the law amends Section 83.56 of the Florida Statutes to establish fraudulent entry as a non-curable lease violation. This means landlords are no longer required to provide tenants an opportunity to rectify the situation; instead, they may issue a 7-day notice to terminate the rental agreement and vacate the premises.

This change is particularly important for property managers who have faced increasing challenges with sophisticated application fraud. Landlords may initiate this eviction process regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed against the tenant, providing a more streamlined path to reclaiming property from individuals who obtained their lease through deception.