Florida Tenant Rights, FAQ’s, Resources & Guides

4. How does the eviction process work in Florida?

The Florida eviction process follows these steps:

1. Landlord serves the proper written notice.

2. If not resolved, the landlord files an eviction lawsuit in court.

3. The tenant has 5 days to respond and must deposit any disputed rent into the court registry.

4. A hearing or mediation may be scheduled.

5. If the landlord wins, the court issues a final judgment.

6. The sheriff enforces the writ of possession and can remove the tenant.

Important: Florida landlords cannot shut off utilities, change locks, or remove belongings themselves. These “self-help evictions” are illegal.

5. Can tenants break a lease early in Florida without paying a penalty?

Tenants in Florida are usually responsible for rent until the lease ends. However, there are exceptions:

• Active duty military: Can terminate early with proper notice.

• Uninhabitable housing: If the landlord fails to fix serious issues after written notice, the tenant can end the lease.

Other reasons (job loss, divorce, roommate leaving) are not legal grounds to break a lease without penalty. In most cases, tenants remain liable for rent unless one of the legal exceptions applies.

6. Are there limits on rent increases in Florida?

Florida has no statewide rent control.

• Landlords can raise rent by any amount if they give proper notice before the next rental period (15 days for month-to-month).

• Local governments are not allowed to impose rent control except in very limited emergencies.

• Affordable housing programs may cap rents, but only for designated properties.