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Florida Landlord-Tenant Law Basics Every Crestview Landlord Should Know
Understanding Florida's landlord-tenant laws is essential for success as a rental property owner in Crestview. Whether you're managing one unit or a portfolio of properties, knowing your legal responsibilities helps protect you, your investment, and your relationship with tenants.
At Kuntz Property Group, we believe informed landlords make smarter decisions. This guide breaks down the key aspects of Florida's landlord-tenant laws that every Crestview property owner should know—backed by practical tips, legal references, and opportunities to reduce risk through professional property management.
Why Florida Landlord-Tenant Law Matters
Florida's landlord-tenant law is primarily governed by Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes. This legal framework covers everything from security deposits and lease agreements to repairs and eviction procedures.
Failing to follow these laws can result in:
Costly legal disputes
Lost rental income
Damage to your reputation
Court-ordered tenant compensation
Key Legal Requirements for Crestview Landlords
Here are the top legal topics landlords in Crestview should understand and follow:
1. Written Lease Agreements
While oral leases are legal in Florida for rental terms under one year, we strongly recommend written leases. A lease agreement outlines the responsibilities of both landlord and tenant and can serve as legal protection in court.
Your lease should include:
Rent amount and due date
Duration of tenancy
Security deposit terms
Pet policy
Maintenance responsibilities
Notice requirements for termination or renewal
📌 Tip: Be sure your lease complies with Florida law and avoid any clauses that might be considered illegal or unenforceable.
2. Security Deposit Rules
Under Florida Statute § 83.49, landlords can collect a security deposit but must follow strict rules:
You must return the deposit within 15 days if there are no deductions.
If there are deductions (e.g., for damage or unpaid rent), you must notify the tenant in writing within 30 days of lease termination.
The deposit must be held in a Florida banking institution, in a separate non-interest or interest-bearing account, or posted as a bond.
Failure to follow these rules could result in the tenant receiving full deposit return—even if damage occurred.
Florida Statutes - Security Deposits (Section 83.49)
3. Habitability and Repairs
As a landlord, you are legally obligated to maintain the property in a safe and livable condition. Florida law requires you to:
Maintain the structural integrity of the building
Ensure proper functioning of plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
Address pest infestations
Comply with local housing codes, such as those enforced by Okaloosa County
Tenants are generally responsible for maintaining cleanliness and not damaging the property, but if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, tenants may have legal grounds to withhold rent or terminate the lease.
4. Entry and Notice Requirements
Florida law allows landlords to enter the rental property for:
Repairs
Inspections
Showing the property
Emergencies
However, you must provide reasonable notice, typically at least 24 hours, and entry must occur during reasonable hours, unless it’s an emergency.
Violating entry laws can lead to tenant complaints or legal action.
5. Rent Collection and Grace Periods
Florida law does not require landlords to offer a grace period unless stated in the lease agreement. You can charge a late fee if outlined in the lease, but the fee must be reasonable—usually no more than 5–10% of the monthly rent.
To encourage timely payments:
Offer multiple payment methods
Send reminders before rent is due
Work with a property manager to automate payments and enforce rules consistently
6. Legal Grounds for Eviction
Evictions in Florida are regulated by Chapter 83, Part II, and can only occur for lawful reasons:
Non-payment of rent
Violation of lease terms
Property damage or illegal activity
Expiration of a lease without renewal
Landlords must follow a legal eviction process, which includes:
Serving a written notice (3-day notice for non-payment, 7-day notice for lease violations)
Filing an eviction if the tenant does not comply
Obtaining a court order and writ of possession
You cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove the tenant's belongings without a court order—this is considered illegal self-help eviction and can lead to fines and legal liability.
Florida Courts - Eviction Filing Information
Additional Florida Rental Laws Crestview Landlords Should Know
Fair Housing Laws: Under federal and Florida law, you cannot discriminate based on race, religion, gender, disability, familial status, or national origin. Visit HUD's Fair Housing page for full details.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: If your property was built before 1978, you're legally required to provide a lead-based paint disclosure to tenants.
Military Tenants: Florida law gives special protections to active-duty military tenants, such as early termination rights when reassigned.
How Kuntz Property Group Keeps Crestview Landlords Compliant
Understanding the law is one thing—staying compliant year-round is another. At Kuntz Property Group, our property management services ensure you’re always operating within legal boundaries while protecting your income and reputation.
Our legal compliance services include:
Attorney-reviewed lease agreements
Proper security deposit handling
Routine property inspections
Notices and eviction procedures handled legally
Ongoing training on legislative changes in Florida
Want to learn more about how inspections support lease compliance? Read our blog: The Importance of Regular Property Inspections in Crestview
Final Thoughts: Legal Knowledge Is Landlord Power
Navigating Florida landlord-tenant law can be complex—but as a Crestview landlord, staying informed helps you avoid costly mistakes, retain good tenants, and maximize your ROI. By working with a knowledgeable property management company like Kuntz Property Group, you gain peace of mind knowing your property is in full legal compliance.
📩 Need help staying compliant or managing legal notices? Contact Kuntz Property Group today for a free rental analysis or consultation!
