In Florida, rent prices are set by supply and demand, with very few government rules. This article explains how rent increase laws work in Florida, what they mean for landlords and renters, and how these laws compare to other states. Knowing these rules can help you understand the rental market in Florida and how it affects the cost and availability of housing.
Table of Contents
Does Florida Have Rent Increase Laws?
Florida Rent Increase Limit (2024)
When Can Landlords Raise Rent in Florida?
Florida Rent Increase Notice Requirements
Are There Any Cities in Florida that Do Have Rent Control?
Florida Rent Control Laws vs Other States
Florida Rent Increase Laws Bottom Line
Does Florida Have Rent Increase Laws?
No, Florida does not have rent increase laws. Florida also goes further and is one of several US states that impose a preemptive ban on rent control, prohibiting individual cities and counties from enacting rent control regulations except under extreme circumstances. That means there are almost no local rent increase laws in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and other Florida cities, due to the statewide restrictions placed on them.
Florida Rent Increase Limit (2024)
There is no rent increase limit in the state of Florida as of May 2024. That means landlords can legally charge as much for rent as tenants are willing to pay. However, just because there are no rent increase limits doesn’t mean landlords can charge exorbitant rates, and tenants are expected to accept.
Instead, housing is treated like any other commodity subject to supply and demand. If the landlord raises the rent too much, then the tenant has the option to move somewhere else, forcing landlords to keep their prices competitive.
Florida is a business-friendly state with a lower cost of living than areas where rent control is standard. So, they’ve opted to let the market set rents rather than allowing government intervention.
When Can Landlords Raise Rent in Florida?
No official regulations govern when a landlord can and can’t raise the rent in Florida. However, they must abide by any terms stipulated in the lease agreement. In most cases, landlords can only increase the rent at the end of the lease term unless otherwise specified.
So, if you have a 1-year lease, they can only raise the rent at the end of that year. But nothing is preventing them from putting a clause in the contract allowing them to raise the rent during the lease term as long as the agreement clearly states when and how much the rent will increase. It’s considered valid if you sign the contract. So, read any leases carefully before signing on the dotted line if you plan to move to Florida.
Florida Rent Increase Notice Requirements
Florida doesn't have specific laws dictating how much notice is required for a rent increase. However, certain laws outline the notice period needed to end a lease. Landlords should follow these guidelines to ensure they are acting properly if a tenant decides not to renew the lease.
The termination guidelines require the following notice:
- 60 days for a yearly lease
- 30 days for a quarterly lease
- 15 days for a month-to-month lease
A landlord could notify you of a rent increase just a week before your lease ends. However, if you decide not to renew and have a yearly lease, they are required to give you 60 days' notice before terminating the agreement. As a result, most knowledgeable landlords provide sufficient notice to minimize complications if you choose not to renew.
Are There Any Cities in Florida that Do Have Rent Control?
No, there are no cities in Florida with rent control due to the preemptive ban. However, the state of Florida allows cities to enact temporary rent regulations in the event of a housing crisis that causes a public menace. But any legislation is limited to a period of one year.
So, for instance, if there is a sudden shortage of housing that causes rents to skyrocket overnight, affected cities may decide to enact temporary rent controls to deal with the crisis. But the municipality must also provide proof that rent controls are necessary if challenged by landlords or lobbyists in court.
Florida Rent Control Laws vs. Other States
A few states like California and Oregon have statewide rent control laws. Others like New York and Maine have no statewide laws but allow cities and counties to legislate rent control as they see fit. However, many states, including Florida, have a pre-emptive ban on rent control, meaning the government has no right to impose restrictions on the amount landlords can charge in rent.
Florida Rent Increase Laws Bottom Line
Florida's rental rules can be frustrating for renters because there aren't any laws limiting rent increases. However, the state's business-friendly approach means landlords can charge what the market allows. While this can be tough for tenants in expensive neighborhoods, many areas in Florida have affordable housing options. Knowing these rules can help you navigate the rental market and find reasonably priced places to live by avoiding high-rent areas.