Lease Agreement in Florida — Free Template & Guide

When creating a lease agreement in Florida, the following requirements must be met:

• Identification: All parties must be identified by their full legal names and complete mailing addresses as used in Florida.
• Date and signatures: The document must be dated and signed by all relevant parties. Both landlord and tenant must sign the lease agreement. Florida does not require notarization for residential leases.
• Accurate information: All details included in the document must be accurate and truthful. Providing false information on a legal document in Florida can result in penalties.
• Security deposit: Florida Statute Section 83.49 governs security deposits. There is no statutory limit on the deposit amount, but the landlord must hold the deposit in a separate bank account (interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing with a surety bond) and provide the tenant with written notice of where the deposit is held within 30 days.
• Deposit return: Landlords must return the deposit within 15 days if no deductions are made, or provide written notice of intent to claim deductions within 30 days of move-out.
• Required disclosures: Florida requires lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978), radon gas disclosure, and the landlord must disclose the name and address of the property owner and any authorized agent.
• Copies: All parties should retain signed copies of the completed document for their records. Florida law may specify retention periods for certain document types.

Meeting these requirements helps ensure that your lease agreement will be accepted by Florida courts, government agencies, and other institutions. Our form builder prompts you for all required information and generates a document that satisfies these FL requirements.

After creating your lease agreement in Florida, you may need to take additional steps depending on the type of document and its purpose:

1. Complete the document: Use our online form builder to fill in all required information and generate your Florida lease agreement.
2. Review and sign: Both parties should carefully review the document for accuracy before signing. Florida residential leases do not need to be filed with any government agency but should be retained by both parties.
3. Make copies: Create copies for all parties involved. Keep original signed documents in a safe location.
4. Document the property: Conduct a thorough walkthrough and document the property condition with photos and written inventory before the tenant moves in.
5. Provide required disclosures: Deliver all Florida-required disclosures including radon gas notification, lead-based paint (pre-1978), and the written notice of where the security deposit is held.
6. Keep for records: Retain your copy for at least the period required by Florida law, which varies by document type but is generally a minimum of three years for tax-related documents.

Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 83, Part II) is available through the Florida Legislature website. For disputes, Florida offers county-level mediation programs.

Florida has specific laws that affect how lease agreement documents are created, executed, and enforced:

Florida Statutes Chapter 83, Part II governs residential tenancies. Section 83.49 requires landlords to hold security deposits in a separate account and provide written notice to the tenant within 30 days of receipt. Section 83.56 establishes procedures for lease termination, requiring 15-day notice for month-to-month tenancies. Section 83.51 outlines the landlord's obligation to maintain the premises. Florida has no statewide rent control, and local rent control ordinances are prohibited under Section 166.043.

It is important to be aware of these FL-specific regulations when creating your lease agreement. Our templates are designed to account for common state requirements, but for complex legal situations, consulting with a Florida-licensed attorney is recommended.

Here are important tips for creating a lease agreement in Florida:

• Verify all information: Double-check names, addresses, dates, and amounts before signing. Errors can cause delays or legal complications in Florida.
• Keep copies: Always retain signed copies of the completed document. Store them in a safe, accessible location.
• Deposit account requirements: Florida requires landlords to hold security deposits in a separate Florida bank account. The landlord must notify the tenant in writing within 30 days of where the deposit is held.
• 15 or 30 day deposit return: If no deductions are made, return the deposit within 15 days. If deductions are claimed, send written notice by certified mail within 30 days detailing the deductions.
• Hurricane and flood disclosures: Florida landlords should include relevant disclosures about flood zone status and hurricane preparedness, especially for coastal properties.
• Act promptly: If the document requires filing with a Florida government agency, do so within the required timeframe to avoid penalties or complications.
• Seek professional advice when needed: For complex situations or high-value transactions in Florida, consider consulting with a local attorney to ensure your interests are fully protected.