Florida Rent Increase Laws 2025: What Tenants Should Know

In 2025, Florida is poised to implement significant changes regarding rent increases, primarily through proposed legislation aimed at enhancing tenant protections. Here’s what tenants should know:

Current State of Florida Rent Laws

Absence of Rent Control: Florida currently has no statewide rent control laws, allowing landlords considerable freedom to set and increase rents without legal limits. This lack of regulation means that landlords can raise rents by any amount as long as they provide proper notice.
Notice Requirements: While there is no minimum notice period mandated for rent increases under state law, landlords are generally expected to provide reasonable notice. For month-to-month leases, a written notice of at least 15 days is typically required before the next rent payment.

Proposed Changes for 2025

30-Day Notice Requirement: Proposed bills (HB 1417 and SB 1586) aim to require landlords to give tenants a 30-day notice before raising rent. This change would enhance transparency and allow tenants more time to adjust their finances or seek alternative housing.
Termination Notices: The proposed legislation also seeks to prohibit landlords from terminating month-to-month leases without providing a 30-day notice, up from the current 15 days. This measure aims to protect tenants from abrupt changes in their housing situation.

Specifics on Rent Increases

Fixed-Term Leases: For fixed-term leases, such as one-year agreements, landlords cannot increase rent until the lease term ends unless the lease explicitly allows for adjustments. Typically, a notice period of 60 days is required for any changes upon renewal.
Security Deposits: While rent increases do not automatically change the terms of security deposits, landlords may request an adjustment to the deposit amount to align with the new rental rate.

Legal Protections Against Unfair Increases

Discrimination and Retaliation: Any rent increase must comply with federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, retaliatory rent hikes in response to tenant complaints or legal actions are illegal.

Conclusion

As Florida moves towards potential legislative changes in 2025, tenants should stay informed about their rights regarding rent increases.

The proposed laws aim to provide greater stability and predictability for renters in a state that currently lacks comprehensive rent control measures.

Tenants should monitor these developments closely and ensure they understand both their rights and obligations under any new regulations that may be enacted.