Florida Rent Increase Laws

Is there a rent increase limit in Florida? 

In short, no — the Sunshine State doesn’t enforce rent control or rent stabilization laws. Here’s what you need to know:

Statewide caps: Landlords can raise rent by any reasonable amount when renewing a lease agreement. Because Florida doesn’t cap increases, top landlords refer to their local market rate. By analyzing a property’s size and features in relation to current renter demand, market rates help landlords determine what tenants are willing to pay.

Local rent control ordinances: In the past, Miami-Dade and Orange County enforced their own rental laws. But now, Florida law supersedes all other ordinances. Statewide regulations prohibit local rent control, except in specific emergencies (Fla. Stat. § § 83.425, 125.0103).

Exceptions: While Florida law bans rent control at the local level, it does permit cities and counties to adopt temporary rent stabilization measures during extreme housing emergencies. However, local governments must meet certain conditions, and the policy automatically expires after 1 year (Fla. Stat. § 125.0103).

Rent Increase Notice Periods

Before you raise your property’s monthly price, you must notify tenants in writing. The legal timelines depend on your lease agreement type. Here’s what Florida rent increase laws say about notice periods:

Year-to-year: If your fixed-term tenancy runs on an annual basis, you must provide 60 days’ written notice (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).

Month-to-month: Florida law requires you to give tenants 15 days’ written notice when raising rent for a month-to-month agreement (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).

Quarter-to-quarter: For quarterly agreements, state law requires 30 days’ written notice (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).

Week-to-week: Provide 7 days’ written notice for week-to-week tenancies (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).

Whether you’re renting out an entire property in Orlando or have a room rental agreement for your Miami Beach condo, follow the above notice laws.

And remember, you can’t adjust your prices in the middle of a fixed-term lease unless your rental agreement specifically allows it. Once the agreement ends, propose the new rent when offering the lease renewal.

How to Deliver a Rent Increase Notice in Florida

Florida law specifies the delivery methods landlords may use when delivering rent increase letters to tenants. Use the following methods to ensure your notice is legally binding:

• Mail the notice (we recommend using Certified Mail)
• Deliver the letter personally
• Leave the notice at the rental unit (Fla. Stat. § 83.56)

Electronic deliveries: Additionally, you can send the letter electronically only if both parties agree in writing (Fla. Stat. § 83.505). So, if you want to use landlord software with timestamps and delivery receipts, add a clause to your lease and have tenants sign it.

Understanding Illegal Rent Increase and Retaliation

You can’t raise rent to get back at a tenant for taking a legally protected action (Fla. Stat. § 83.64). Florida law prohibits landlords from increasing rent in retaliation when a tenant does the following:

• Complains about code violations
• Reports code violations to government agencies
• Organizes or joins a tenant union
• Exercises their legal rights (Fla. Stat. § 83.64)

Overall, you can’t adjust rent to punish tenants. Additionally, federal law protects tenants from discriminatory increases. Keep your rent increase protocols fair and consistent every time. Never offer unfair rental terms based on the following federally-protected traits:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Familial status
• Disability (Fair Housing Act)

Keep in Mind: Stay compliant by following all Florida rent increase laws. Make sure you give proper notice and only adjust rent at the end of a tenancy. If you attempt a mid-lease hike without a clause permitting it, you breach the contract.

How to Write a Florida-Compliant Rent Increase Letter

Next, let’s walk through the rent increase letter. In Florida, your letter must contain the following details:

• Full property address with unit number
• Tenant names
• Exact dollar amount of the increase
• New total rent amount
• Effective date
• Instructions for tenants (how to accept or opt out)

Save time and stay consistent by using a standardized PDF template. Download our free Florida rent increase letter template to mitigate risk every time you notify tenants.

Managing the Rent Increase Process with Tenants

Once you deliver the rent increase letter, tenants can either accept, decline, or negotiate. Follow these best practices for each scenario:

• Accept: Prepare the updated lease and outline your new price. Don’t forget to add clear payment instructions and any other new clauses. When your tenants sign the new lease, start charging the increased rate on the effective date. Florida doesn’t require a grace period for renewed leases.
• Decline: Start discussing move-out protocols with your tenant to make the process as smooth as possible. Prepare to conduct the move-out inspection and return their security deposit. Finally, get ready to list your vacancy and find your next tenant.
• Negotiate: If a tenant pushes back on the increase and asks you to reconsider, you have a few options. It may be worth negotiating to retain a great tenant. Consider adjusting your rate, offering a longer lease term, or delaying the effective date of the increase.

Keep this guide handy when it’s time to renew your leases and raise the rent. When you understand Florida rent increase laws, you reduce risk, work efficiently, and maintain positive tenant relationships.