An apartment lease agreement in Florida is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that governs their rental arrangement. This agreement outlines each party’s responsibilities alongside the terms and conditions of the contract.

However, the state of Florida governs their own landlord-tenant laws. This means that just using a standard rental agreement might not be enough to ensure compliance with local laws. As such, using a state-specific template that includes these regulations is recommended. Some of the state-specific requirements include the following in Florida:

• Security deposit: The landlord must hold the security deposit in an interest-bearing account or post a surety bond equal to the same amount.

• Rent increase: If rent increases aren’t covered in the rental agreement, the landlord may increase the rent at any time by giving the tenant sufficient notice.

• Repair and maintenance: State-specific law requires that landlords maintain the apartment according to applicable building, housing, and health codes.

• Termination of lease: In Florida, a landlord must provide a 7-day notice of termination for week-to-week rentals and a 15-day notice for month-to-month contracts.

Disclosures

Some common considerations for an apartment lease agreement in Florida include:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for properties built before 1978)

• Mold Disclosure

• Bedbug Disclosure

• Utilities Disclosure

• Smoking Policy

• Security Deposit Disclosure

• Notice of Non-Renewal or Termination