Rental agreement › United States › Florida
Florida rental agreement — laws, template & free PDF
A Florida rental agreement is a residential tenancy contract governed by Florida landlord-tenant law. This guide summarizes the current rules on security deposits, notice, entry and disclosures, and lets you download a free PDF pre-filled with Florida defaults.
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Florida landlord-tenant law at a glance
| Security deposit cap | No statutory limit |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 15 days (or 30 if contested) |
| Entry notice required | 12 hours |
| Month-to-month termination | 30 days |
| Late fee rule | Must be in lease; not "unconscionable" |
| Rent control | Prohibited (with narrow emergency exceptions) |
| Small claims limit | $8,000 |
Mandatory disclosures for Florida landlords
- Lead paint
- Radon
- Fire protection
- Security deposit handling
Landlords who fail to provide a required disclosure expose themselves to statutory damages and can lose their right to evict until the disclosure is corrected.
Security deposit handling
Under Florida law, the security deposit is capped at No statutory limit and must be returned within 15 days (or 30 if contested) after the tenant vacates the premises, minus any lawful deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. A landlord who fails to comply with the statutory deadline may forfeit the right to make any deductions and — in several states — face double or triple damages.
For the full side-by-side, see our security deposit rules by state guide.
Late fees in Florida
Must be in lease; not "unconscionable". The late fee clause must appear in the signed lease — a landlord cannot impose a fee that was not agreed to in writing. See our late fee clause guide for drafting examples.
Ending a month-to-month tenancy
Either party may end a month-to-month tenancy in Florida with 30 days written notice. For cause-based termination (non-payment, lease violations), see our eviction notice guide.
Neighbouring states
Georgia
Alabama
Compare rental agreement rules in all 50 US states →
Frequently asked questions
How much security deposit can a landlord charge in Florida?
In Florida, the statutory limit is No statutory limit. The deposit must be returned within 15 days (or 30 if contested) after the tenant vacates and provides a forwarding address.
How much notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy in Florida?
30 days written notice is the standard in Florida for either party to end a month-to-month tenancy, subject to any local rent-control rules.
Does Florida have rent control?
Prohibited (with narrow emergency exceptions).
How much entry notice must a landlord give in Florida?
Florida requires 12 hours of notice before a landlord can enter, except in emergencies.