Florida Rent Increase Laws 2024: What Tenants Should Know

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Florida is expected to make major adjustments to rent hikes in 2024, mostly as a result of proposed legislation that would strengthen tenant safeguards. Tenants should be aware of the following:

Current State of Florida Rent Laws

• 
  Absence of Rent Control
  
  : Florida currently has no statewide rent control laws, allowing landlords considerable freedom to set and increase rents without legal limits. This lack of regulation means that landlords can raise rents by any amount as long as they provide proper notice
  
  .
  
• 
  Notice Requirements
  
  : While there is no minimum notice period mandated for rent increases under state law, landlords are generally expected to provide reasonable notice. For month-to-month leases, a written notice of at least
  
  15 days
  
  is typically required before the next rent payment
  
  .
  

Proposed Changes for 2024

• 
  30-Day Notice Requirement
  
  : Proposed bills (HB 1417 and SB 1586) aim to require landlords to give tenants a
  
  30-day notice
  
  before raising rent. This change would enhance transparency and allow tenants more time to adjust their finances or seek alternative housing
  
  .
  
• 
  Termination Notices
  
  : The proposed legislation also seeks to prohibit landlords from terminating month-to-month leases without providing a
  
  30-day notice
  
  , up from the current 15 days. This measure aims to protect tenants from abrupt changes in their housing situation
  
  .
  

Specifics on Rent Increases

• 
  Fixed-Term Leases
  
  : For fixed-term leases, such as one-year agreements, landlords cannot increase rent until the lease term ends unless the lease explicitly allows for adjustments. Typically, a notice period of
  
  60 days
  
  is required for any changes upon renewal
  
  .
  
• 
  Security Deposits
  
  : While rent increases do not automatically change the terms of security deposits, landlords may request an adjustment to the deposit amount to align with the new rental rate
  
  .
  

Legal Protections Against Unfair Increases

• 
  Discrimination and Retaliation
  
  : Any rent increase must comply with federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, retaliatory rent hikes in response to tenant complaints or legal actions are illegal
  
  .
  

Conclusion

Tenants should be aware of their rights with relation to rent hikes as Florida prepares for possible legislative changes in 2024.

In a state without extensive rent control mechanisms at the moment, the proposed regulations seek to give renters more stability and predictability.

Tenants should keep a careful eye on these developments and make sure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities under any new laws that may be passed.

Sources:

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