Florida Pet Addendum
Residential Lease Pet Agreement
This Pet Addendum is attached to and made part of the Lease Agreement. It authorizes the tenant to keep specific approved pet(s) on the premises subject to the terms, conditions, and fees outlined below. Unauthorized pets are a lease violation and may result in fees, required removal, or lease termination.
📄 Lease Reference
🏠 Property Information
👤 Landlord/Property Manager
👥 Tenant Information
🐕 Approved Pet(s)
🐾 Pet #1
Documentation Required: Tenant must provide proof of current vaccinations (rabies, distemper, etc.) for all dogs and cats before move-in or pet approval.
🚫 Pet Restrictions
Insurance Requirements: Many insurance policies exclude certain breeds (often Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, etc.). Breed restrictions may be required by landlord’s insurance, HOA, or local ordinances—not landlord preference.
💰 Pet Fees & Deposits
📊 Fee Summary
Florida Law Note: Florida does not limit pet deposits. However, the total security deposit + pet deposit should be reasonable. Pet deposits are subject to the same return requirements as security deposits (§ 83.49).
📜 Pet Rules & Requirements
Tenant agrees to comply with all of the following pet rules:
🛡️ Liability & Insurance
Liability Notice: Tenant accepts full responsibility for any injury, damage, or claim arising from the pet(s). Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Landlord from any claims, damages, or legal fees resulting from the pet(s).
♿ Service & Assistance Animals
Fair Housing Notice: This Pet Addendum does NOT apply to service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs). Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for assistance animals, which are not considered “pets.” Pet deposits, pet rent, and breed/weight restrictions generally cannot be applied to assistance animals. If you have a disability-related need for an assistance animal, please contact the landlord to request a reasonable accommodation.
⚠️ Violations & Consequences
✍️ Agreement & Signatures
Landlord/Property Manager
Tenant
Tenant 2 (if applicable)
Florida Pet Addendum Guide
⚠️ Legal Notice: This form is for informational purposes only. Consult a Florida attorney for specific legal guidance.
What is a Pet Addendum?
A Pet Addendum is a legal document that modifies a residential lease agreement to permit pets on the property. It specifies which pet(s) are approved, outlines rules and restrictions, and establishes fees and deposits. The addendum becomes part of the original lease and is binding on both landlord and tenant.
Why Use a Pet Addendum?
- Legal Protection: Documents which specific pets are authorized
- Clear Expectations: Establishes rules both parties must follow
- Financial Terms: Specifies deposits, fees, and pet rent
- Damage Recovery: Provides basis for charging for pet damage
- Liability Coverage: Addresses insurance and responsibility
- Violation Process: Outlines consequences for rule violations
Pet Deposits vs. Pet Fees in Florida
| Type | Refundable? | Purpose | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Deposit | Yes | Cover pet damage beyond normal wear | $200-$500 |
| Pet Fee | No | Administrative/cleaning costs | $100-$300 |
| Pet Rent | No | Monthly charge for pet privilege | $15-$50/month |
Florida Pet Deposit Rules
Florida does not have specific laws limiting pet deposits. However:
- Pet deposits are treated similarly to security deposits
- Must be returned within 15-30 days per § 83.49
- Landlord can deduct for pet damage beyond normal wear
- Itemized list required if deductions are made
- Should be reasonable in relation to potential damage
Common Pet Restrictions
Breed Restrictions
Many landlords restrict certain breeds, often due to insurance requirements:
- Pit Bulls / American Staffordshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Chow Chows
- Wolf Hybrids
- Akitas
- Mastiffs
Weight Limits
Common weight limits range from 25-75 pounds, often depending on:
- Property type (apartments often have lower limits)
- Unit size
- Insurance requirements
- HOA/Condo association rules
Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for:
- Service Animals: Trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability
- Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Provide therapeutic benefit through companionship
Important: Pet deposits, pet fees, pet rent, and breed/weight restrictions generally cannot be applied to service animals or ESAs. However, tenants remain liable for any damage caused by the animal.
What to Include in Pet Documentation
- Pet type, breed, name, color, weight, age
- Photo of the pet (recommended)
- Vaccination records (rabies, distemper)
- License/registration number
- Microchip number (if applicable)
- Spay/neuter status
- Veterinarian contact information
Handling Unauthorized Pets
If a tenant has an unauthorized pet:
- Document the violation (photos, dates, witnesses)
- Provide written notice of lease violation
- Give opportunity to remove pet or complete addendum
- Charge unauthorized pet fee if specified in lease
- Proceed with lease termination if violation continues
Best Practices for Landlords
- Screen pets just like you screen tenants
- Meet the pet before approval when possible
- Require vaccination records and update annually
- Take photos of the pet for documentation
- Inspect property more frequently with pets
- Include pet-specific clauses in lease
- Consider pet liability insurance requirements
- Document any pet damage during inspections
Best Practices for Tenants
- Be honest about pet size, breed, and behavior
- Keep vaccinations current and provide documentation
- Follow all pet rules consistently
- Clean up after your pet immediately
- Address noise complaints promptly
- Notify landlord if adding or changing pets
- Consider renter’s insurance with pet liability
- Report any pet-related damage immediately
Resources
- Florida Statutes Chapter 83: Residential Landlord Tenant Act
- HUD Fair Housing: Assistance Animals Guidance
- Florida Department of Agriculture: Consumer Services
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
This Pet Addendum is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Pet policies must comply with fair housing laws regarding assistance animals. Breed restrictions may be required by insurance carriers or local ordinances. Some HOAs and condo associations have their own pet rules that may be more restrictive. Florida law (§ 83.49) governs the return of deposits including pet deposits. Consult a qualified Florida attorney for specific guidance regarding pet policies and fair housing compliance. Form updated .
