Florida Landlord Retaliation Laws

Florida Landlord Retaliation Laws

Last Updated: March 10, 2023

Tenant Protected Actions
  • Health/Safety Complaints to Gov’t
  • Complaints to Landlord
  • Joining/Starting Tenants’ Organization
  • Enforcing Lawful Rights
Landlord Retaliatory Actions
  • Raising Rent
  • Decreasing Services
  • Filing/Threatening Eviction or Lawsuit
Penalties for Retaliation
  • End Lease
  • Repossess Property
  • Sue for Damages

When Is It Illegal for Landlords to Retaliate in Florida?

It’s illegal for Florida landlords to retaliate with raised rent, reduced services, or threatened eviction or lawsuit against tenants who have taken any of the following protected actions in good faith:

  • Complaining to the landlord or government about failure to maintain the property.
  • Participating in a tenant organization.
  • Pursuing rights or remedies given by law or lease.
  • Taking other similar actions.

What Can Tenants Do in Response in Florida?

If a landlord retaliates in Florida, the tenant can respond by suing for quiet enjoyment of the property. The tenant might end the rental agreement, and regardless, can recover court costs and attorney fees, plus expenses associated with the retaliation.

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