The Sunshine State’s real estate rental market remains robust in 2025, but landlords must stay informed about evolving eviction regulations. Over the years, there have been many laws that have gone into effect pertaining to real estate and evictions, so property owners should keep abreast of their rights and proper procedure while in lease agreements.
Eviction Laws and Knowing Your Rights
Understanding both rights and duties is essential to avoiding legal pitfalls. Here are some current eviction laws that every landlord should be aware of:
- A major change as of July 1, 2024, raised the notice time for terminating month-to-month tenancies to 30 days (up from 15 days), reinforcing tenant stability and requiring landlords to plan terminations earlier.
- When tenants fall behind, Florida law mandates a 3-day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit before a landlord can initiate eviction filing. This notice must demand payment and afford tenants three days to comply or vacate.
- For lease breaches, like unapproved pets or property damage, a 7-day Notice to Cure is required, giving tenants a chance to correct the issue. Severe violations (e.g., significant damage or criminal activity) prompt a 7-day unconditional quit notice, offering no opportunity to remedy.
- Landlords cannot resort to “self-help” tactics, such as lockouts or utility shutoffs, and doing so exposes them to damages worth triple the monthly rent. They must file in court, serve a summons, await the tenant’s response (within 5 business days), and attend a hearing. If the court rules in the landlord’s favor, a Writ of Possession is issued, and the sheriff enforces the eviction typically within 24-72 hours.
- Tenants can withhold rent after giving 7-day notice if the landlord fails repairs rendering the unit uninhabitable. Additionally, accepting late rent may waive a landlord’s claims. Security deposit rules mandate holding funds separately and returning them within 15-30 days, with tenant objections allowed within 15 days.
These are just some of the many laws in place regarding Florida real estate. In addition to researching various resources, it is more important than ever to be represented by an experienced and knowledgeable attorney when a related real estate situation arises.
If you are seeking advice regarding evictions or a specific real estate need, please contact us for a free consultation.
The Law Office of Donna Hearne-Gousse
(561) 582-5670