State Regulation

Governor DeSantis Veto's a Bill Governing Short-Term Rentals

The rules governing security deposits for residential leases are primarily found Chapter 83. Here are the key points:

My Tenant Won’t Let Me Enter the Rental Property What Are My Rights?

For the past several months, the Florida House and Senate have been debating proposed changes to Chapter 83. They are potentially the most significant in changes to Florida Landlord tenant law in decades. This month we will learn which, if any of these changes, actually become law. The implementation date is July 1, 2024.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 621, which protects property rights, provides homeowners remedies against squatting, and increases penalties on squatters.

Our eviction business has seen a sizeable increase in the number of squatters moving into empty rental units. The stories are similar. The landlord discovers strangers have taken up residency in their rental home. Naturally, they are angry and worried. Will they become violent? Will they destroy the house? How do I get them out?

Your tenant has moved out. While your priority is to clean and paint and get the unit rented, there are a number of things which good business practice suggests -- and some which State law demands.

Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown blood-sucking, wingless insects. Bedbug bites usually clear up without treatment in a week or two. Bedbugs aren't known to spread disease, but they can cause an allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction in some people.

Florida statues are very specific regarding your tenant's security deposit. The rules are the same for tenants who move out under good conditions and those who don’t, including eviction.

Nearly every tenant leaves stuff behind when they vacate, most of the time it’s just a big pile of junk. Trash or treasure, the law says it’s not yours and you have an obligation to respect your former tenant’s personal property.