HB 6005 Summary

• Removes the provision that automatic failure to pay rent into the court registry within 5 days constitutes an absolute waiver of tenant defenses, eliminating the landlord's entitlement to immediate default judgment without further hearing.

• Amends Florida Statutes Section 83.60 to delete language stating tenants lose all defenses other than payment by missing the 5-day registry payment deadline.

• Maintains requirement that tenants must still pay accrued rent and ongoing rent into the court registry when raising non-payment defenses in possession actions.

• Preserves exemption for public housing tenants and rent-subsidized tenants, who deposit only their portion of rent responsibility.

• Takes effect July 1, 2022.