Are Hidden Cameras Legal in Florida Rentals?

As a renter in Florida, you have a legal right to privacy in your rental home. Questions about hidden cameras can raise concerns about your safety and your personal rights. This article breaks down Florida law on surveillance in rentals, what landlords may and may not do, and steps you can take if you suspect your privacy has been violated.

Florida Laws on Privacy and Surveillance in Rentals

Florida law strongly protects a renter's right to privacy, especially inside a rental unit. The main legal rule is that a landlord cannot place hidden cameras or other recording devices inside areas where tenants have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, or inside the living areas of your apartment or house.

• Inside rentals: Secret recording (audio or video) is almost always illegal under Florida Statutes Section 934.03 and Section 810.145, which generally prohibit recording private conversations and 'video voyeurism' without consent.
• Common areas: Security cameras may be legal in shared building spaces, like entrances, parking lots, or laundry rooms—especially if signs are posted. However, these devices cannot be positioned to record inside your personal living space or through windows.

If a landlord installs cameras inside your private rental without your clear permission, it's likely a violation of state law—regardless of the landlord's reason.

Notice and Consent: What Landlords Must Do

Florida law does not require landlords to give written notice or gain consent for cameras in common areas, provided there's no audio recording and no intrusion into private spaces. However, cameras inside your rental unit require your knowledge and consent.

• Landlords must never secretly install recording devices in bedrooms, bathrooms, or similar spaces.
• Audio surveillance is regulated by strict 'two-party consent' rules—meaning everyone being recorded must agree.

If you discover a camera in your private area without notice or approval, you can take action to protect your rights.

What To Do if You Find a Hidden Camera

If you have concerns about surveillance in your Florida rental:

• Document the camera: Take photographs and note the location, date, and any other details you observe.
• Contact local law enforcement: Florida police may investigate possible criminal violations of privacy or wiretapping laws (Florida Department of Law Enforcement).
• Notify your landlord in writing: State your concerns, provide evidence, and ask for an immediate explanation or removal of the device.
• Seek help: You can also reach out to Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or local legal aid for renter protection.

Florida's Landlord-Tenant Legislation

The Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 83, Florida Statutes) describes both landlord and tenant rights. While it does not address cameras directly, it provides a framework for privacy expectations and remedies if those expectations are violated.

Under Florida law, recording audio or video in areas where privacy is expected (like inside apartments) without your consent is almost always illegal.

Can I File a Complaint or Take Legal Action?

If you believe your privacy has been violated by your landlord’s use of hidden cameras, you have options:

• File a police report if you suspect criminal activity.
• Submit a formal complaint to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• Contact the civil court or the Clerk of Court in your county to ask about filing a civil complaint. The court system handles landlord-tenant cases in Florida.

In all cases, keep copies of your letter to the landlord and evidence you’ve gathered. You may also seek legal advice or reach out to a local tenant advocacy group.

Official Forms for Renters

• Notice of Noncompliance (Form DCFS-10826): Used to tell your landlord about a violation of privacy rights, such as illegal surveillance. Send this in writing with details and your request for action. Download here.
• Residential Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form: For reporting landlord misconduct, including illegal camera use, to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Access official form.

Submit these forms by mail or online, following the instructions provided on the official site.

FAQ: Privacy and Hidden Cameras in Florida Rentals

1. Can my landlord put security cameras inside my Florida rental?
   No. Florida law prohibits landlords from installing cameras or recording devices in areas where you expect privacy (such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms) without your consent.
2. Are security cameras allowed in apartment hallways or shared spaces?
   Cameras may be used in public or common areas (like hallways or parking lots) if they don’t record audio and don't view into your private living space.
3. What should I do if I find an unauthorized camera in my apartment?
   Document it, contact local police, inform your landlord in writing, and consider filing a formal complaint using Florida’s official complaint forms.
4. Is audio recording by landlords legal in Florida rentals?
   No. Audio recording requires the consent of everyone being recorded (‘two-party consent’). Hidden audio devices are generally illegal without your knowledge and agreement.
5. What legislation protects my privacy as a renter in Florida?
   Your rights are protected under the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and state privacy laws regarding audio and video recording.

Key Takeaways for Florida Renters

• Florida law protects your privacy inside your rental.
• Landlords may not install hidden cameras or audio devices in private areas.
• If you suspect illegal surveillance, document evidence and use official complaint forms.

Understanding your rights gives you confidence and helps keep your private life secure.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Landlord/Tenant Resources
• Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Statutes Chapter 83)
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
• Florida County Civil Courts / Clerk of Courts – Landlord-Tenant Information
• For official forms: Residential Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form

---

1. Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 83, Florida Statutes)
2. Florida Statutes Section 934.03 – Interception and Recording of Communications
3. Florida Statutes Section 810.145 – Video Voyeurism
4. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Landlord-Tenant Law
5. Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations