Florida Landlord Rules for Heat and Hot Water

When you rent a home or apartment in Florida, your landlord is responsible for providing a safe, livable space. This includes ensuring your housing meets basic standards for maintenance and habitability. For many renters, questions arise about what landlords must do to supply heat and hot water, especially during the cooler months or when there are repairs needed. Knowing your rights and your landlord’s obligations in Florida can help you resolve problems faster.

What Are Florida Landlords Required to Provide?

Under Florida’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must meet certain basic habitability standards. While Florida’s warm climate means there’s no law specifically requiring landlords to provide or maintain heating systems, there is a specific requirement for hot water in most rental units.

• Hot water: Landlords must supply both working plumbing and hot water for tenants.
• Heat: There is no state law that mandates heating equipment in rental units. However, if a heating system is provided, the landlord must keep it in good working order.

For multi-family buildings (more than one unit), landlords are generally responsible for ensuring running water, including hot water, is always available unless specifically agreed otherwise in your lease.

Where in the Law?

The requirement to provide hot water comes from Section 83.51 of the Florida Statutes: landlords must “provide for the extermination of rats, mice, roaches... and functioning facilities for heat, running water, and hot water.”

What Should Tenants Do If Heat or Hot Water Stops Working?

If you lose hot water, or if a provided heating system is broken, the first step is to notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Florida law requires tenants to let landlords know about problems before taking further action.

• Send a clear written notice (keep a copy for your records).
• Give your landlord a reasonable time (typically 7 days) to make repairs.

If your landlord fails to fix the problem, you may have additional rights under Florida law, including the right to withhold rent or terminate your lease. However, you must use the correct process to stay protected.

Official Form: Seven-Day Notice to Cure

• Form Name: Seven-Day Notice to Landlord to Cure Noncompliance
• When to Use: Use this form to officially notify your landlord of broken hot water or heating (if provided) that affects your health or safety.
• How it Works: Complete the form, keep a copy, and deliver it to your landlord. This gives your landlord a 7-day window to make the repair. For step-by-step instructions, see the "How to Steps" section below.
• Official Source: Florida Courts – Seven-Day Notice to Cure Form (PDF)

Can Renters File a Complaint?

If your landlord refuses to make repairs and your living situation is unsafe or unhealthy, you can file a complaint with your local code enforcement or health department. In severe cases, you may also seek assistance from the local Clerk of Court.

• Find your local code enforcement office through the state portal.
• Visit your county Clerk of Court for legal actions.

Common Heat and Hot Water Scenarios

Below are a few everyday examples Florida renters face:

• If your unit has no heater: Unless it’s included in your lease, there’s no Florida law requiring one. If a heater is provided but stops working, your landlord must repair it.
• If hot water stops: Your landlord is required to make timely repairs—remind them, then use the Seven-Day Notice if needed.
• If repairs are not made: You have the right to use official notices and eventually take further legal action with your local court if conditions are unlivable.

Who Handles Tenant-Landlord Disputes in Florida?

Florida does not have a statewide landlord-tenant tribunal, but disputes can be handled in the Florida State Courts, often through county Small Claims or County Civil Courts. For more information, visit your county Clerk of Court.

FAQs for Florida Renters on Heat and Hot Water

1. Does my Florida landlord have to provide heat? No, Florida law does not require landlords to supply heat unless it’s stated in your lease. However, any provided heating system must be maintained in good working order.
2. Is hot water required in my rental unit? Yes, landlords must provide hot water unless a written agreement states you are responsible instead.
3. What if my hot water isn't fixed after reporting the problem? You may send a Seven-Day Notice, and if the issue is not resolved, you can take further legal action or file a complaint with your local code enforcement.
4. Can I withhold rent if I lose hot water? Only after you have properly notified your landlord and given them a chance to fix the problem, using the official Seven-Day Notice to Cure.
5. Which Florida agency helps with landlord-tenant complaints? Disputes are handled through your county Clerk of Court or local code enforcement office.

Key Takeaways

• Florida landlords must provide hot water, but not necessarily heat, unless included in your lease.
• Use official written notice if repairs are needed—don’t withhold rent without following legal steps.
• Resources like the Seven-Day Notice form and your local court are there to help with unresolved issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Landlord and Tenant Statutes (Section 83.51) – Full rental habitability law
• Florida State Courts – For legal filings and dispute resolution
• Florida County Clerk of Court Locator – Find your local court
• DBPR Code Enforcement Contacts – For unsafe conditions complaints
• Florida Law Help – Free legal aid and tenant resources

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1. Florida Statutes, Chapter 83, Part II: Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Florida Statutes, Section 83.51: Landlord’s obligation to maintain premises
3. Official Notice Form: Seven-Day Notice to Cure

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