A Florida standard residential lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant, outlining rental terms for a property and defining responsibilities, rent details, and duration.
There are specific landlord-tenant laws that govern residential leases in the state, addressing issues such as security deposits, eviction procedures, habitability standards, and other rental-related matters. Both landlords and tenants must comply with these regulations as outlined in the lease agreement.
Lease Length Considerations
- Residential leases can be of any duration. This flexibility allows both short-term and long-term lease agreements.
- Oral lease agreements are legal and enforceable for periods of less than one year. Lease agreements that exceed one year must be in writing to be legally enforceable. [1]
- It is recommended that two subscribing individuals witness the landlord’s signing of the lease to secure its legal validity and enforceability. [2]
- Tenancies can be from year to year, quarter to quarter, month to month, or week to week, based on the rent payment periods. [3]
Required Disclosures
- Radon disclosure.
- Notice of abandoned personal property.
- Identification of landlord and authorized agents.
- Security deposit notice.
- Disclosure of lead-based hazards.
- Rental inspection checklist.
- Notice of foreclosure.
Our Florida lease agreement page has additional information about required disclosures and relevant laws.
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): No state-imposed limit.
- Returning to Tenant: Within 15 days. [4]
Rent Payment
- Grace Period: None. Rent is due as outlined in the lease. [5]
- Maximum Late Fee: Must be reasonable and explicitly stated in the agreement. [6]
- NSF Fee: $25 for checks up to $50, $30 for checks up to $300, $40 for checks up to $800, and 5% for checks over $800. [7]
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Residential Tenancies (Florida Statutes Title VI Chapter 83 Part II).
- Handbook – Landlord & Tenant Handbook.
