← All states
FL · State profile
Florida landlord rules
1 of 10 values below carries a source-confirmed statute citation. The rest are conservative reference values from Aptoria's compliance data and are labeled unverified.
No statewide late-fee cap, but courts strike fees they find punitive. Florida bans local rent control (FS 125.0103).
Deposits, fees, and notices
Security deposit limit
Unverified reference value
No statewide cap
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Deposit return deadline
Source-confirmed 2026-07
Conditional: 15 days to return the full deposit if the landlord makes NO deductions. If deducting, the landlord must send written notice of the claim by certified mail within 30 days; the tenant then has 15 days to object. Failing to send the 30-day notice forfeits the right to claim against the deposit.
Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3). Florida Legislature, Online Sunshine (official) ↗
Reference value on file: 15 days after move-out
Late fees
Unverified reference value
No statewide cap (reasonableness standard)
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Rent-increase notice
Unverified reference value
15 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Month-to-month termination notice
Unverified reference value
15 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Pay-or-quit notice
Unverified reference value
3 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Non-emergency entry notice
Unverified reference value
12 hours
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Application fee limit
Unverified reference value
No statewide cap
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Statewide rent regulation
Unverified reference value
No statewide rent regulation (check local ordinances)
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Separate pet deposit
Unverified reference value
Permitted
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Payments, fair housing, and licensing
Card surcharges on rent
Allowed within card-network limits
Returned-payment (NSF) fee
Sliding-scale statutory cap
FL §68.065: $25 for checks ≤ $50, $30 for $50-$300, $40 OR 5% of face (whichever greater) for > $300.
Source-of-income protection
No statewide protection on file
Local ordinances can extend protection beyond the statewide rule.
Property-management licensing
License generally required to manage for others
FL Real Estate Commission (FREC), Ch. 475. Required to collect rent for others.
Florida next to its neighbors
Own units on both sides of a state line? These are the same reference values for every bordering jurisdiction. Open a state to see its citations.
| Rule | Florida | Alabama | Georgia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit | No statewide cap | 1× monthly rent | No statewide cap |
| Deposit return deadline | 15 days after move-out | 60 days after move-out | 30 days after move-out |
| Late fees | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) |
| Rent-increase notice | 15 days | 30 days | 60 days |
| Non-emergency entry notice | 12 hours | 48 hours | Reasonable notice |
| Pay-or-quit notice | 3 days | 7 days | No statewide minimum |
| Source-of-income protection | No statewide protection on file | No statewide protection on file | No statewide protection on file |
| Card surcharges on rent | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits |
Lease disclosures on file
• Lead-based paint hazards (pre-1978 housing) — EPA Pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
• Radon gas
• Fire protection (3-story+ buildings)
• Security deposit holding location (FS 83.49)
Run the numbers
Security deposit calculator
Late fee calculator
Rent increase calculator
Move-in / move-out inspection checklist
Educational information only, not legal advice. Laws, local ordinances, court interpretations, and the facts of a tenancy can change the result. Verify the current binding text and obtain advice from a qualified local professional before acting.