🌴 Florida Landlord Forms

Complete Guide to Florida Landlord Forms

Managing rental properties in Florida requires the right forms to ensure legal compliance and protect your investment. Our comprehensive collection of free Florida landlord forms helps property owners, landlords, and property managers navigate the requirements of Florida Statutes Chapter 83, the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Whether you’re renting a single-family home in Tampa, an apartment complex in Miami, condominiums in Orlando, or vacation rentals in the Florida Keys, these forms are designed to meet your needs while complying with state law.

Florida-Specific Requirements

Florida has several unique requirements that differ from other states:

• Radon Gas Disclosure: Required by § 404.056(5) for all leases exceeding 45 days. Must include specific statutory language about radon risks.
• Security Deposit Rules: § 83.49 has detailed requirements for holding deposits, including written notice within 30 days and specific return procedures (15 days if no claim, 30 days with itemized claim).
• Notice Periods: Florida uses 3-day notices for non-payment, 7-day notices for lease violations, and 15-day notices for month-to-month terminations.
• No Rent Control: Florida prohibits local rent control ordinances, giving landlords flexibility in setting and adjusting rent.

Essential Forms for Every Florida Landlord

At minimum, Florida landlords should have:

1. Lease Agreement – Comprehensive rental contract with all required disclosures
2. Radon Disclosure – Mandatory for all residential leases over 45 days
3. Security Deposit Disclosure – Required within 30 days of receiving deposit
4. Move-In Inspection Checklist – Documents property condition at start
5. 3-Day Notice to Pay – First step in non-payment eviction process
6. Lead Paint Disclosure – Required for pre-1978 properties

The Florida Eviction Process

Florida’s eviction process follows specific steps:

1. Serve Proper Notice: 3-day for non-payment, 7-day for lease violations
2. Wait for Notice Period: Allow full time to expire
3. File Eviction Complaint: Submit to County Court with filing fee
4. Serve Summons: Sheriff or process server delivers to tenant
5. Court Hearing: Present case to judge
6. Writ of Possession: If successful, sheriff removes tenant

The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks if uncontested, but can take longer if the tenant files an answer and requests a hearing.

Security Deposit Rules in Florida

Florida’s security deposit statute (§ 83.49) is one of the most detailed in the country:

• No statutory limit on deposit amount
• Must be held in a Florida banking institution or surety bond
• Written notice of deposit location required within 30 days
• Return within 15 days if no deductions
• Return within 30 days with itemized deductions if claiming
• Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of claim

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice is required to raise rent in Florida?

For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 15 days’ notice before the end of the rental period. For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be raised until the lease expires unless the lease specifically allows increases.

Is a written lease required in Florida?

For leases of one year or less, oral agreements are technically valid. However, written leases are strongly recommended and are required for leases longer than one year under the Statute of Frauds.

How long does eviction take in Florida?

An uncontested eviction typically takes 2-4 weeks from filing. Contested cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer depending on the court’s schedule and complexity of the case.

Can landlords charge application fees in Florida?

Yes, landlords can charge non-refundable application fees for processing rental applications. There is no statutory limit on the amount, but fees should be reasonable.