Free Florida Lease Agreement Template

A Florida lease agreement is a binding contract between a landlord and a tenant for a residential property in Florida. It explains how much rent is due and when, how the security deposit is handled, what disclosures apply, and who is responsible for repairs and upkeep.

Landlords use a Florida lease agreement when renting out a house, apartment, condo, or room. Putting these terms in writing helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures both parties understand their rights and responsibilities under Florida’s landlord-tenant laws.

Florida has specific rules about deposits, entry, repairs, and rent disputes. Your lease should reflect these requirements. Important points include:

• Security deposits: Must be kept in a separate Florida bank account or held under a surety bond. If the landlord places the deposit in an interest-bearing account, the tenant is entitled to either 5% simple annual interest or 75% of the interest earned (FL Stat. § 83.49(1)(a), (b)).
• Security deposit returns: Deposits must be returned within 15 days if there are no deductions, or within 30 days if the landlord intends to keep any portion and sends written notice explaining why (FL Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)).
• Late fees: Florida does not set a specific cap on late fees, but fees that are excessive or unreasonable may not be enforceable (FL Stat. § 83.45(1)).
• Withholding rent: Tenants may withhold rent or defend against eviction if the landlord materially fails to keep the unit habitable, but they must first give seven days’ written notice to allow time to fix the problem (FL Stat. § 83.60).
• Landlord entry: Landlords generally must give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering for repairs or inspections and must come at reasonable times, usually between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (FL Stat. § 83.53(2)).

Document Genius’s guided form incorporates these rules so your Florida lease agreement stays aligned with state law.

Florida gives landlords flexibility on deposit amounts but sets clear rules on how deposits are held and returned.

• Deposit amount: Florida law does not cap the amount a landlord can charge as a security deposit. However, many landlords choose one or two months’ rent to stay competitive.
• Separate account or bond: Security deposits must be kept in a separate bank account at a Florida financial institution or secured through a posted surety bond. Deposits cannot be mixed with the landlord’s personal funds (FL Stat. § 83.49(1)(a), (b)).
• Interest options: If the landlord places the deposit in an interest-bearing account, they must either pay the tenant 75% of the annual interest earned or 5% simple annual interest, at the landlord’s choice (FL Stat. § 83.49(1)(b)).
• Return timeline: If there are no claims on the deposit, it must be returned within 15 days after the tenant moves out. If the landlord intends to keep any portion, they must send written notice within 30 days that explains the deductions; otherwise, they lose the right to keep any part of the deposit (FL Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)).
• Permitted deductions: Unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, certain fees spelled out in the lease, and other losses caused by a lease violation.

Spelling out how the security deposit works in your Florida lease agreement helps avoid disputes at move-out.

Florida does not impose rent control, but it does set boundaries on how rent disputes are handled.

• Rent increases: There is no statewide limit on how much a landlord can raise rent. Any increase should follow the timing and notice rules in the lease and local ordinances.
• Rent due date: Rent is due on the date listed in the lease, often the first of the month. If you use a different date, make sure it is clearly written into your Florida lease agreement.
• Late fees: Florida law does not set a maximum late fee. However, courts may reject fees that are excessive compared to the rent or not agreed to in the lease (FL Stat. § 83.45(1)).
• No mandatory grace period: Florida does not require a grace period before rent is considered late. If you want to offer one, you should write it into the lease.
• Nonpayment and eviction: If rent is unpaid, landlords may serve a 3-day notice demanding payment or possession before filing an eviction case (FL Stat. § 83.56(3)).
• Withholding rent: If the landlord fails to maintain the property as required, tenants may withhold rent or terminate the lease, but they first must give seven days’ written notice and a chance to fix the issue (FL Stat. § 83.60).

In your Florida lease agreement, clearly state the rent amount, due date, late fee policy, and any grace period so everyone knows what to expect each month.

Florida law balances the landlord’s need to access the property with the tenant’s right to privacy.

• Notice requirement: For routine repairs, inspections, and agreed improvements, landlords must give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering the unit (FL Stat. § 83.53(2)).
• Reasonable times: Entry must occur at reasonable hours, typically between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., unless the tenant agrees otherwise.
• Emergencies: Landlords may enter without notice in an emergency, such as a fire, serious leak, or situation that threatens people or property.
• Refused entry: If a tenant unreasonably refuses access after proper notice, it may be considered a lease violation.

Document Genius helps you include a clear entry section so tenants know when and why you may need access to the property.

Both landlords and tenants have duties to keep the rental safe and livable.

Landlord Responsibilities

• Code compliance: Landlords must keep the property in compliance with applicable building, housing, and health codes. If no specific code applies, they must maintain structural components in good repair and keep plumbing in reasonable working condition (FL Stat. § 83.51).
• Essential services: Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining heat, running water, and hot water when required by law or the lease.
• Prompt repairs: Once notified of a problem, landlords should make necessary repairs within a reasonable time to prevent further damage and health risks.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Everyday upkeep: Tenants must keep the property clean, use fixtures and appliances reasonably, and follow health and safety codes that apply to occupants (FL Stat. § 83.52).
• Preventing damage: Tenants should avoid careless or intentional damage and promptly report leaks, mold, or other conditions that could cause larger problems.
• Cooperation: Tenants must allow reasonable access when the landlord needs to inspect, repair, or show the unit after proper notice.

Document Genius’s guided questionnaire helps you spell out these responsibilities in your Florida lease agreement so everyone knows how to care for the property.

Florida has specific notice rules for ending a lease and handling belongings left behind.

• Ending a month-to-month tenancy: For many periodic tenancies, either party can terminate by giving a written 30-day notice for month-to-month arrangements, or a different notice period for weekly, quarterly, or yearly tenancies as outlined in state law (FL Stat. § 83.57).
• Ending for nonpayment or breach: For nonpayment of rent, landlords may serve a 3-day notice demanding payment or possession. For certain other violations, different notice periods apply (FL Stat. § 83.56).
• Abandoned property: If a tenant leaves belongings behind, landlords must send a written notice describing the items and any storage fees. The tenant has at least 10 days to claim the property if the notice is hand-delivered, or 15 days if mailed (FL Stat. § 715.104).
• Disposal or sale of belongings: If unclaimed items are reasonably valued at more than $500, the landlord must sell them at a public sale. If they are worth $500 or less, the landlord may choose to keep or discard them (FL Stat. § 715.109).

By including clear notice rules and move-out procedures in your Florida lease agreement, you make the end of the tenancy smoother for both you and your tenant.