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FL S0494

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/2/2023

Primary Sponsor

Judiciary

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2023 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Landlords in Florida may offer tenants the option to pay a nonrefundable fee—either as a recurring monthly payment or on a custom schedule—in lieu of a traditional security deposit, with exclusive discretion over whether to offer this option
  • Tenants must be notified in writing that the fee is nonrefundable, does not reduce their rental obligations, and that they may terminate the fee agreement at any time and instead pay a standard security deposit
  • A written agreement signed by both parties is required, must include a specific statutory disclosure, and the fee amount may not be increased during the term of the rental agreement
  • Landlords must notify tenants within 30 days after a tenancy ends of any unpaid rent, fees, or damage costs, and must wait at least 15 days after that notice before filing an insurance claim; landlords are prohibited from collecting payment from both the tenant and an insurer for the same costs
  • If a landlord offers the fee option to any tenant, it must be offered to all new tenants on the same premises, and a prospective tenant's choice to pay or not pay the fee cannot be used as criteria to approve or deny a rental application; the law applies to agreements entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2023

Legislative Description

Fees in Lieu of Security Deposits

Last Action

Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/HB 133 (Ch. 2023-181)

4/28/2023

Committee Referrals

Rules3/22/2023
Community Affairs3/8/2023

Full Bill Text

No bill text available