Florida has officially taken a firm stance against rental application fraud with the implementation of HB 1293, which was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. As of October 1, 2026, this legislation makes the act of providing fraudulent information on a rental application a felony offense in the state of Florida.
Legislation·Statewide
Florida Criminalizes Rental Application Fraud Under New Law
A new Florida law, HB 1293, officially classifies rental application fraud as a felony and a non-curable lease violation. This legislation provides property managers with stronger legal recourse against applicants who provide false information.
By FLN News Desk
November 5, 2026Updated Nov 8, 20261 min read
For property managers and landlords, this law serves as a critical tool for maintaining the integrity of the screening process. Beyond the criminal implications for applicants, the law establishes that such fraud constitutes a non-curable lease violation, allowing owners to take immediate action if they discover that a tenant secured a lease through deceptive means.
Industry experts and organizations like the Florida Apartment Association are currently hosting educational sessions to help housing providers integrate these new protections into their operational workflows. Landlords are encouraged to review their current application disclosures and screening policies to ensure they are fully leveraging the protections afforded by this new statute.
Disclaimer: Florida Landlord Network is a non-attorney service. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Florida attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
