Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Florida?

In Florida, landlord access is governed by the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act ( Fla. Stat. § 83.53). As of 2026, the law provides clear protections for tenant privacy while allowing landlords to maintain the premises.

Legal Entry Without Prior Notice

A landlord may only enter a dwelling unit without consent or notice in the following cases:

• Emergencies: Immediate entry is permitted for the protection or preservation of the premises (e.g., active fire, gas leak, or flooding).

• Presumed Abandonment: Under Fla. Stat. § 83.59, abandonment is presumed if the tenant is absent for a period equal to one-half the time for periodic rental payments (typically 15 days for a monthly lease), provided the rent is not current and the tenant has not notified the landlord in writing of the absence.

• Unreasonable Refusal: If a tenant unreasonably withholds consent for a lawful purpose after proper notice has been given.

Requirements for Standard Entry

For routine repairs, inspections, or showing the unit:

• 24-Hour Notice: The landlord must provide at least 24 hours’ notice prior to entry for the purpose of repairs.

• Reasonable Hours: Entry for repairs must occur between 7:30 AM and 8:00 PM.

• Tenant Obligations: A tenant cannot unreasonably withhold consent for the landlord to inspect, make repairs, or show the unit to prospective purchasers or tenants ( Fla. Stat. § 83.53(1)).

Prohibitions and Penalties

• Harassment: The landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant.

• Self-Help Eviction: Landlords are strictly prohibited from changing locks or removing doors to “recover possession” without a court order, even if they suspect abandonment ( Fla. Stat. § 83.67).

The information for this answer was found on our Florida Landlord Tenant Rights answers.