If you’re a landlord in Florida, you already know the Sunshine State gives you beaches, sunshine, and… a whole lot of legal paperwork. And if you’re a tenant? Well, you get beaches, sunshine, and hopefully a landlord who actually reads the Florida Statutes.
Understanding lease termination rules and rent increase notices isn’t exactly thrilling, but neither is finding out your notice wasn’t valid because you missed a deadline. So let’s make this simple, human, and dare we say pleasant.
Key Takeaways
- Florida has no statewide rent control laws, but landlords must still give proper notice before increasing rent.
- Lease termination rules differ based on whether there’s a written lease or the tenant is on a month-to-month lease.
- Written notice and following the required notice period are essential to avoid disputes and court challenges.
- Security deposits, rent increases, and terminations must comply with the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
- Property managers can help ensure complete compliance with Florida law and prevent costly mistakes.
The Legal Landscape: Why Florida’s Rules Matter More Than Ever
Florida landlords and tenants coexist in a state with surprisingly flexible rules, especially when it comes to raising rent. Since Florida has no statewide rent control, and local governments are mostly restricted from creating rent control measures, many property owners assume they can do whatever they’d like when adjusting rent prices or ending a rental agreement.
But here’s the catch: while you can raise rent freely, you must still follow legal requirements for giving notice. Florida law doesn’t cap increases, but it does protect tenants through reasonable provisions such as adequate notice and clear communication. And when a landlord fails to follow these rules, problems escalate quickly, including disputes, delays, county court actions, and possibly court costs that no one wants to pay.
Rent Increases in Florida: What You Need to Know Right Now
Let’s start with the big one: Can a landlord raise rent? Absolutely. How much? There’s no rent increase limit under current Florida rent control laws because, again, true statewide rent control doesn’t exist here.
But what Florida landlords must do is the following:
Provide Proper Notice
If a landlord wants to increase rent, the law requires a written notice given within a reasonable notice period. For month-to-month tenancies, this usually means at least 30 days before the rental period ends. If the landlord fails to provide sufficient notice, the rent increase cannot take effect.
Follow the Lease Agreement
If a written lease is still active, rent cannot be changed mid-term unless the agreement specifically allows it. Once the lease expires, the landlord may raise rent with appropriate notice.
Ensure the Notice Includes All Necessary Details
A valid rent increase notice must include:
- The new monthly rent amount
- The effective date
- The rental unit or dwelling unit address
- The landlord’s signature or the landlord's address for responses
Some landlords choose certified mail to provide verifiable delivery, but it is not required.
Why Rent Increases Happen
Let’s be honest, rising costs hit everyone. Property maintenance, insurance, taxes, and utilities aren’t getting cheaper. When property owners raise rent, it’s often to keep the rental property operational and maintain rental income, not to buy a yacht (usually).
Lease Termination Notices: When and How to End a Tenancy
1. When There’s a Written Lease Agreement
If your lease hasn’t expired, you can’t end it early without a valid legal reason or the tenant’s agreement. When the lease expires, either party may choose not to renew, but proper notice is still required under Florida law.
2. When It’s a Month-to-Month Lease
For a month-to-month arrangement, either party may terminate the tenancy by giving at least 15 days’ written notice before the end of the rental period.
3. When a Landlord Fails to Give Notice
If sufficient notice is not given, the termination becomes invalid, and the landlord forfeits the ability to require the tenant to move at that time. That may delay your turnover, affect periodic rental payments, and extend the tenant’s right to occupy the rented premises.
Security Deposits: Still One of the Biggest Compliance Pitfalls
Florida’s rules for handling a security deposit are some of the most detailed in the country. A landlord must:
- Hold the deposit money in an approved account
- Return it within 15–30 days, depending on whether deductions are taken
- Provide written notice of any deductions
Tenants may legally withhold rent or challenge deductions in court if procedures aren’t followed.
Security deposits are regulated to protect tenants, but they also protect landlords if handled correctly.
Where Property Management Comes into Play
Florida’s rental laws are detailed, and compliance matters. For landlords juggling multiple units, the work becomes a lot. Professional property managers help with:
- Staying compliant with Florida property management laws
- Drafting compliant notices
- Tracking rental periods and deadlines
- Managing rental payments, unpaid rent, or disputes
- Ensuring reasonable provisions are in every agreement
Licensed Florida property managers must hold a broker license issued by the Florida Real Estate Commission, meaning they’re trained to navigate this regulatory maze.
FAQs: Your Biggest Questions, Answered
1. How much notice is required to raise rent in Florida?
For most month-to-month leases, landlords must give at least 30 days’ proper notice. If a longer-term lease is in effect, the increase can occur only after the lease expires, unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement.
2. Can tenants challenge a rent increase?
Yes, tenants can challenge increases deemed retaliatory or discriminatory based on protected characteristics like national origin. However, Florida has no rent control or rent increase limit, so challenging the amount itself can be difficult.
3. What happens if a landlord fails to give proper notice before lease termination?
If the landlord fails to give the legally required notice, the termination is invalid, and the tenancy continues until correct notice is given.
4. Are Florida property managers required to follow the same laws as landlords?
Yes. Professional managers must follow all Florida property management laws and the Tenant Act, and most duties mirror a landlord’s obligations.
5. Does speaking with a property manager create an attorney-client relationship?
No property managers are not lawyers. They can help interpret requirements, but cannot provide legal advice. If legal action arises, a landlord’s attorney should be consulted.
Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant, Stay Protected
Understanding Florida’s rent increase rules and lease termination requirements isn’t just about avoiding mistakes; it’s about protecting your rental property, your rental income, and your relationship with tenants. And while the rules may feel overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate them alone.
If you want guidance that keeps you compliant and reduces stress, reach out to Round Table PM. Our team helps Florida landlords manage notices, rental pricing, legal requirements, and day-to-day operations with confidence and clarity.
Ready to Make Compliance Easy?
Explore our services, request a free consultation, or dive deeper into our resources at Round Table PM, your trusted partner in smart, compliant property management.
