A Florida standard 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.
Florida has specific landlord-tenant laws that govern residential leases, 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.
Considerations on Lease Length
- 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 (Florida Statutes 83.01).
- It is recommended that two subscribing individuals witness the landlord’s signing of the lease to secure its legal validity and enforceability (Florida Statutes 689.01).
- Tenancies can be from year to year, quarter to quarter, month to month, or week to week, based on the rent payment periods (Florida Statutes 83.02).
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): No state-imposed limit
- Returning to Tenant: Within 15 days (Florida Statutes 83.49(3)(a))
Rent Grace Period
There is no rent grace period in Florida. Rent is due as outlined in the lease. (Florida Statutes 83.46(1))
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Residential Tenancies (Florida Statutes Title VI Chapter 83 Part II).
- Handbook – Landlord & Tenant Handbook.
