How do I file a housing complaint against my landlord in Florida?

You can file with your local code enforcement office, the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) for discrimination, or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) for deposit or business disputes.

Is a written notice required before I file a formal complaint about repairs?

Yes. Florida law requires you to give your landlord written notice about needed repairs, usually 7 days advanced, before further action.

What forms do I use if I have a discrimination complaint?

Use the FCHR Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (FCHR Form 8), available on the FCHR website.

Can my landlord evict me for submitting a complaint?

No. Florida law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants for making lawful complaints.

Who can help me if I need legal advice as a Florida renter?

Contact Florida Legal Services or your local legal aid for affordable advice and support.

Filing a Complaint Against Your Landlord in Florida

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Florida published: June 21, 2025

If you’re experiencing landlord issues such as unresolved repairs, unfair rent increases, or wrongful eviction notices in Florida, you have the right to address your concerns formally. Understanding the complaint process, your rights under Florida law, and available resources can help you protect your home and peace of mind.

Understanding Your Tenant Rights in Florida

Florida renters are protected under the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This law covers key areas including your right to a habitable space, rules for security deposits, rent changes, and the process for eviction.

Right to Repairs: Your landlord must keep the property in good repair and meet health and safety standards.
Right to Fair Notice: Tenants are entitled to written notice before most rent increases, lease changes, or eviction actions.
Protection from Retaliation: Landlords cannot retaliate (such as raising rent or threatening eviction) for complaining about repairs or asserting other legal rights.

Common Reasons to File a Complaint

Unresolved or serious maintenance issues (e.g., no heat or water leaks)
Suspected illegal eviction or improper notice
Security deposit disputes not resolved after move-out
Discrimination in renting (based on race, disability, or other protected categories)
Other breaches of the rental agreement

Before filing a formal complaint, it’s usually best to let your landlord know about the issue in writing. If there’s no response or the problem isn’t fixed, you can escalate your complaint using state or local resources.

Step-by-Step: How to File a Complaint Against Your Landlord in Florida

Follow these steps to formally file a complaint against your landlord in Florida. This process ensures your issue is documented and increases the likelihood of a fair resolution.

Gather all evidence (e.g., photos, written requests, emails, your lease).
If the issue involves housing standards or code violations, contact your local city or county code enforcement office. Most complaints related to unsafe or unlivable conditions are handled at the local level.
- Find your local code office through your county or city government website.
- Some larger cities (like Miami-Dade and Orlando) offer online reporting tools.
For complaints about unfair treatment, discrimination, or retaliation, file with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR).
If you wish to make a complaint to the state about your landlord, you may contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), especially for disputes over deposits or general business practices.
For legal action, such as recovering a security deposit or stopping an illegal eviction, you may need to file in your local county court.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

720 Notice to Landlord (Florida Statute 83.56):
Not an official government form, but a written notice required by law to notify your landlord of a problem before ending your lease early or withholding rent. Example: If your air conditioning is broken and not repaired within 7 days, you use this notice.
Be specific and give the landlord time to respond — keep a copy for your records.

See sample format on the Florida courts website.
Discrimination Complaint Form (FCHR Form 8):
Used if you believe you are being discriminated against in housing. File online or by mail with the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Example: If you believe you’ve been denied rental because of your race, disability, or family status. Download the FCHR complaint form.
Consumer Complaint Form (FDACS-10900):
Used for security deposit or lease disputes not resolved directly with your landlord. File with the FDACS online complaint portal. Download the FDACS complaint form.

Always read each form's instructions carefully and attach all supporting documentation. Submit it through the official website or by mail to the correct agency.

Which Agency Handles Rental Complaints in Florida?

Florida does not have a single state board for landlord-tenant disputes. Most housing complaints are handled by:

Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) — handles discrimination and retaliation cases statewide.
Your local county or city housing/code enforcement office — addresses habitability and code violation issues.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — for general landlord/tenant business disputes, especially deposit issues.

For legal disputes, including eviction or problems not resolved by other agencies, you may need to pursue your rights in Florida County Court.

Summary: Document Everything and Use The Correct Channel

Keep detailed records and copies of all communications. If you are not sure which agency to contact, reach out to your local HUD-approved counseling service or a legal aid provider for help.

How do I file a housing complaint with the state of Florida?
Complaints can be filed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Commission on Human Relations, or your local government office, depending on the issue.
Does Florida have a state board for tenant disputes?
Florida does not have a single housing tribunal. Use local code enforcement, FCHR, or state-level agencies based on your complaint.
Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
No. You do not need a lawyer to file most complaints, though you may want legal advice if your issue is serious or involves eviction.
Can I be evicted for complaining?
Retaliatory eviction is illegal in Florida. The law protects you from being evicted solely for asserting your renter rights or making complaints.
What documentation should I keep?
Save all written communications, repair requests, notices, photographs, and receipts related to your complaint.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) — Handles discrimination/retaliation complaints statewide.
FDACS Consumer Complaint Division — For business-related landlord/tenant complaints or deposit issues.
Florida Legal Services — Nonprofit offering free or low-cost legal help to renters.
HUD Florida Tenant Resources — Counseling and guidance for renters statewide.
Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act — Full text of the law protecting your rights as a renter.