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The Daily Insight

How do I file a complaint against a landlord in Florida?

Author

Andrew Ramirez

Published Mar 10, 2026

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for regulating a number of industries within the state, and oversees landlord and tenant disputes. To file a complaint with this agency, you can: Submit an online Consumer Complaint Form. Call the agency directly at 1-800-435-7352.

Who regulates landlords in Florida?

HUD handles complaints about housing discrimination, bad landlords in federal housing and many other issues. For additional local resources, you can also contact a housing counseling agency.

What are my rights as a renter in Florida?

The Florida Residential Landlord Tenant Act prevails over what the lease says. A tenant is entitled to the right of private, peaceful possession of the dwelling. Once rented, the dwelling is the tenant’s to lawfully use. If the landlord has to make repairs to make the dwelling fit to live in, the landlord must pay.

What is considered landlord harassment in Florida?

Bottom line is a landlord cannot harass you, or bully you, into paying rent. If your landlord has done any of the previous or any other acts that you would consider overbearing, abusive, or harassing you may be entitled to not only actual and statutory damages up to $1,000.

Is Florida a landlord friendly state?

Although the Sunshine State has one of the highest populations of renters in the US, the Florida landlord-tenant laws are not very detailed. This creates a favorable environment for landlords and owners of rental properties. For starters, Florida law prohibits rent control and has no restrictions on late fees.

How much rent increase is allowed in Florida?

There aren’t any rent control laws in Florida, but that doesn’t mean your landlord can raise the rent whenever they want. Florida state law does not limit the amount that a landlord can increase the rent. However, if you’re on a fixed-term lease, your landlord can’t increase the rent until your lease expires.

How much notice do you have to give a tenant to move out in Florida?

Your landlord must first give you, the tenant, a written notice before you can be evicted. The notice must be in writing, and must give you 3 days to pay the rent or leave (vacate). The 3-day time frame does not include weekends, holidays, or the day the notice is given.

Can a landlord evict you without going to court in Florida?

The landlord can get a “default judgment” against you if you do not answer the complaint. A “default judgment” means that the landlord wins the case and you, the tenant, will be evicted. The landlord can also get a default judgment if you do not give the court the money you owe the landlord.

Can a landlord evict you for no reason in Florida?

Notice for Termination With Cause In Florida, a landlord can terminate a tenancy early and evict a tenant for a number of different reasons, including not paying rent, violating the lease or rental agreement, or committing an illegal act. To terminate the tenancy, the landlord must first give the tenant written notice.

Is it landlord responsibility to paint?

Who’s responsible for decorating a rental property? The landlord is normally responsible for decorating a rental property. It’s rare that the tenant needs to redecorate at the end of a tenancy, although it’s sometimes included in a tenancy agreement.

What is typical rent increase?

The average rent increase per year is, give or take, somewhere between 3% and 5%. For a monthly rent payment of $1,500, for example, we’re talking between $45 and $75 more per month.

Can my landlord raise my rent during the pandemic in Florida?

Can my landlord increase my rent during the public health emergency? Your landlord cannot issue you a rent increase notice during the public health emergency, even if the rent increase would take place after the end of the emergency.

Is Florida a tenant friendly state?