Florida Rent Increase Notice
Proper Written Notice of Rent Adjustment
Florida law requires landlords to provide proper advance notice before increasing rent. For month-to-month tenancies, at least 15 days notice is required before the end of any monthly period (ยง 83.57). However, 30 days notice is the standard best practice and may be required by lease terms. Rent cannot be increased during an active fixed-term lease unless the lease specifically allows it.
๐ Property Information
๐ค Landlord/Property Manager
๐ฅ Tenant Information
๐ Tenancy Type
Important: Rent CANNOT be increased during a fixed-term lease unless the lease specifically includes a rent increase provision. If you have a fixed-term lease without such a clause, wait until lease renewal to increase rent.
๐ฐ Rent Amounts
๐ Rent Increase Summary
๐ Effective Date
Notice Period: The effective date should be at least 30 days from the notice date (15 days minimum by law for month-to-month). The effective date should align with the start of a rental period (typically the 1st of the month).
๐ Reason for Increase (Optional)
Note: Florida law does NOT require landlords to provide a reason for rent increases. However, providing context can maintain good tenant relations and reduce disputes.
๐ณ Payment Instructions
๐ Tenant Options
๐ Notice Preview
NOTICE OF RENT INCREASE
Date: [Notice Date]
To: [Tenant Name(s)]
Property: [Property Address]
Dear Tenant(s),
This letter serves as official notice that your monthly rent will increase from $[Current] to $[New], effective [Effective Date].
Your first payment at the new rate of $[New] will be due on [First Due Date].
If you choose not to accept this rent increase, you may terminate your tenancy by providing proper written notice before the effective date.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Landlord Name]
โ๏ธ Landlord Signature
Landlord/Property Manager
๐ฌ Delivery Method
Best Practice: Use certified mail with return receipt OR hand delivery with signed acknowledgment to prove notice was received.
Florida Rent Increase Notice Requirements
โ ๏ธ Legal Notice: This form is for informational purposes only. Consult a Florida attorney for specific legal guidance.
Florida Rent Increase Laws
Florida does not have statewide rent control, meaning landlords can generally increase rent by any amount. However, proper notice must be given, and increases cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory.
Notice Requirements by Tenancy Type
| Tenancy Type | Notice Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Month-to-Month | 15 days minimum (30 recommended) | Before end of monthly period |
| Week-to-Week | 7 days | Before end of weekly period |
| Fixed-Term Lease | Per lease terms | Cannot increase during term unless lease allows |
| Lease Renewal | Before current lease expires | 60-90 days recommended |
When Can Rent Be Increased?
- Month-to-month: Any time with proper notice
- Lease renewal: When offering a new lease term
- Fixed-term lease: ONLY if lease contains rent increase clause
- After lease expires: If tenant stays without new lease
When Rent CANNOT Be Increased
- During a fixed-term lease (unless lease permits)
- As retaliation for tenant complaints or exercising legal rights
- In a discriminatory manner (Fair Housing Act)
- In violation of lease terms
- During certain disaster/emergency declarations (temporary limits may apply)
Prohibited Retaliatory Rent Increases
Florida law (ยง 83.64) prohibits landlords from increasing rent as retaliation against tenants who:
- Complain to government agencies about code violations
- Organize or join a tenant organization
- Exercise any legal rights under the lease or Florida law
A rent increase within 1 year of a tenant complaint may be presumed retaliatory. Keep documentation showing the increase is justified by market rates, increased costs, or other legitimate factors.
How to Properly Deliver the Notice
- Hand delivery: Give directly to tenant; get signed acknowledgment
- Mail: First class mail to tenant’s address
- Certified mail: Provides proof of delivery (recommended)
- Posted on door: If tenant cannot be found (photograph as proof)
What the Notice Should Include
- Property address and unit number
- Tenant name(s)
- Current rent amount
- New rent amount
- Effective date of increase
- First payment date at new rate
- Landlord contact information
- Tenant options (accept or terminate)
Tenant Options After Receiving Notice
- Accept the increase: Continue tenancy at new rate
- Negotiate: Request a lower increase (landlord not obligated to agree)
- Terminate tenancy: Give proper notice to vacate before effective date
Local Rent Control Restrictions
As of , Florida state law (ยง 166.043) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control ordinances except in limited emergency situations. This means:
- No Florida city can impose permanent rent control
- Temporary rent limits only allowed during housing emergencies
- Must be approved by voters
- Cannot exceed 1 year without re-approval
Resources
- Florida Statutes Chapter 83: Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
- Florida Bar: Find a Florida Attorney
- HUD Fair Housing: HUD.gov/fairhousing
โ ๏ธ Legal Disclaimer
This rent increase notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Florida landlord-tenant law is subject to change. Rent increases must comply with lease terms and cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory. Some properties (such as those with government subsidies) may have rent increase restrictions. Local emergency declarations may temporarily affect rent increase rules. Consult a qualified Florida attorney for specific guidance regarding your situation. Form updated .
