Free Florida Pet Agreement Addendum
Florida bilateral pet addendum to your lease. Federal FHA + Florida Statute §760.27 both protect service animals and ESAs – no fees, no breed/size restrictions. Customize rules for true pets only.
Free Florida Pet Agreement Addendum — overview
🛡 Federal Fair Housing Act — Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are NOT Pets
Under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3604) and HUD guidance, service animals and properly documented emotional support animals are reasonable accommodations — not pets. They are EXEMPT from pet fees, pet deposits, pet rent, breed restrictions, and weight limits. This addendum applies only to true pets. Landlords who charge fees on assistance animals violate federal law and face significant liability.
A Florida Pet Agreement Addendum is a bilateral lease addendum under Florida Statute Chapter 83 authorizing specific named pets in the rental property. Florida adds state-level protections (Fla. Stat. §760.27) for emotional support animals beyond the federal Fair Housing Act.
Complete the Pet Agreement Addendum
Complete the form below to generate a comprehensive Florida Pet Agreement Addendum. The form produces a multi-page PDF including pet identification, rules, fee structure, and signature blocks. Both parties must sign for the addendum to take effect.
1. Parties and Property
2. Authorized Pet(s)
List each pet authorized under this addendum. ONLY pets listed below are permitted. Additional pets require a new addendum.
3. Pet Fees and Deposits
State laws vary on what fees are permitted. Some states cap pet deposits within the overall security deposit limit; others allow separate pet deposits, pet fees (non-refundable), or pet rent (monthly). Verify your state’s rules. Florida permits separate pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent. Florida has no statutory cap on these amounts.
4. Pet Rules and Tenant Responsibilities
- Pet must be leashed/contained at all times in common areas
- Tenant must clean up after pet immediately
- Pet must not disturb other tenants or neighbors
- Tenant responsible for any damage caused by pet
- Vaccinations and licensing must be current at all times
5. Signatures
About the Florida Pet Agreement Addendum
A Florida pet agreement addendum modifies the existing lease to authorize specific pets with agreed-upon rules, fees, and responsibilities. Florida Statute Chapter 83 governs the broader landlord-tenant relationship. Florida is notable for having TWO layers of protection for assistance animals: the federal Fair Housing Act and Florida Statute §760.27 (the ‘ESA Law,’ enacted 2020). Under §760.27, landlords may not deny ESAs based on breed, weight, or species, may not charge ESA fees, and may not require special training certificates. Landlords MAY require reliable documentation from a licensed health care practitioner. The law also penalizes false ESA claims by tenants.
Florida Pet Addendum Framework
- State law: Florida Statute Chapter 83 (landlord-tenant)
- Federal law: 42 U.S.C. §3604 (Fair Housing Act) for service animals + ESAs
- Florida ESA law: Fla. Stat. §760.27 (2020) – state-level ESA protections
- Pet deposits/fees/rent: permitted, not capped statutorily
- Reasonable accommodation: required for assistance animals; may request licensed practitioner documentation for ESAs
What This Document Covers
- Identifies specific authorized pets with details
- Sets pet deposit, pet fee, and/or pet rent amounts
- Establishes Florida-specific pet rules
- Allocates responsibility for pet-related damage
- Carves out service animals and ESAs (federal FHA + Fla. Stat. §760.27)
- Both parties sign – addendum becomes part of lease
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals — Federal Protections
Under the Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3604(f)), service animals trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, and emotional support animals prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, are reasonable accommodations — not pets. They are exempt from pet fees, pet deposits, pet rent, breed restrictions, weight limits, and species restrictions. Landlords may request documentation (limited scope under HUD guidance) but may NOT require special training certificates for ESAs or charge fees. The Department of Justice administers ADA protections for service animals in public accommodations; HUD administers FHA protections for housing.
Best Practices
Florida landlords should be particularly careful about ESA accommodations – state law (§760.27) adds penalties for both improper denial AND fraudulent claims. Document the interactive process: tenant’s request, what documentation was reviewed (licensed health care practitioner letter recommended), and the decision. For true pets, document identification thoroughly at lease signing (photo, microchip, vaccinations). Florida HOAs and condo associations may have their own pet restrictions in addition to landlord rules – check governing documents.
Screen pets and their owners properly
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⚖ Legal Disclaimer
This form is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For Florida landlord-tenant guidance, visit FL Department of Business and Professional Regulation and review Florida Statute Chapter 83. Federal law (Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §3604) protects service animals and emotional support animals from pet fees and breed/size restrictions. Consult a qualified Florida attorney for advice specific to your situation.
