Florida Landlords and Medical Proof for Disability Accommodations

Living with a disability often means you may need certain changes in your rental home—like a service animal, a parking spot, or a grab bar in the bathroom. If you’re a renter in Florida, it’s important to understand what kind of information a landlord can legally ask for when you request a disability-related accommodation, and what your rights are under state and federal law.

When Can a Landlord Ask for Medical Proof in Florida?

Both federal and Florida state law protect renters with disabilities. Under the federal Fair Housing Act and Florida's own Florida Fair Housing Act, landlords must consider reasonable accommodation requests from tenants with physical or mental disabilities. However, landlords are also allowed to ask for information that confirms you have a disability and need the requested accommodation—if your disability or need isn’t obvious.

What Information Can Be Requested?

• Proof of disability: Landlords may request documentation that you have a disability (as defined by law), but they cannot demand to know your specific diagnosis or detailed medical records.
• Proof of need: You may be asked to provide evidence that the requested accommodation is necessary due to your disability. This can often be a letter from a healthcare or mental health provider.

For example, if you request to have an emotional support animal in a "no pets" building, and your disability is not obvious, your landlord can legally ask for a note from a certified healthcare provider confirming you have a disability and need the animal for support.

What Florida Law Says

The Florida Fair Housing Act (Fla. Stat. § 760.23) is modeled after federal protections. In 2020, Florida passed updates clarifying what landlords may and may not request:

• Landlords may require reliable documentation that a person has a disability and that the accommodation is needed (if not readily apparent).
• They cannot require access to your full medical records or details of your diagnosis.
• Landlords may request documentation from certain types of licensed healthcare providers, but cannot insist the provider be located in Florida.

For details, see Section 760.27 of the Florida Statutes.

Official Forms: How and When to Use Them

• Reasonable Accommodation Request (No standard state form)
  You may make a written or verbal request to your landlord. While Florida has no specific official form for this, many local housing authorities recommend putting requests in writing for a clear record. A sample template is available from HUD’s Reasonable Accommodation toolkit.
  Example: If you need a reserved parking space near your unit due to limited mobility, submit a written request along with a letter from your healthcare provider confirming the need.
• Complaint of Discrimination (Florida Commission on Human Relations / FCHR)
  Discrimination Complaint Form
  If your landlord denies a reasonable accommodation without valid basis or asks for too much private information, you can file a complaint using this online form. Submit within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.
  Example: If a landlord refuses your accommodation request and demands specific medical files, you can report this violation using the FCHR form.

Where Are Tenant Disputes Heard?

In Florida, residential tenancy disputes, including those about disability accommodations, are handled by Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) and, in some cases, by local agencies or through the county court system for legal proceedings.

How to Respond When a Landlord Asks for Medical Proof

If you are asked for documentation, here’s what you should do:

• Step 1: Ask your landlord for clarification about what documentation they require.
• Step 2: Obtain a letter from your medical or mental health provider. The letter should confirm you have a disability (without specifying details) and need the accommodation.
• Step 3: Submit the requested documentation, keeping a copy for your records.
• Step 4: If your request is denied or you feel you’ve been unfairly asked for too much information, contact FCHR or a local fair housing agency for help.

Documentation from any qualified healthcare professional is generally acceptable under Florida law, even if the provider is from out of state.

FAQ Section

1. Can my landlord request my full medical records for an accommodation?
   No. Under Florida law, landlords can only ask for proof that you have a disability and need the accommodation. They cannot ask for your diagnosis or full medical records.
2. Is there an official Florida form for requesting disability accommodations?
   No, Florida does not have a single official form. A written request with supporting documentation (like a note from a medical provider) is usually sufficient.
3. What should I do if my landlord refuses my request or asks for too much information?
   You can file a discrimination complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) online within one year of the incident.
4. What kinds of professionals can provide documentation for my accommodation?
   You can provide a letter from any qualified healthcare or mental health professional, including those located outside Florida.
5. Does this apply to service animals and emotional support animals?
   Yes. Requests for animals as accommodation follow the same rules about documentation and privacy as other disability-related requests.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) – file discrimination complaints, access fair housing resources
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
• Florida Legal Services – legal support for renters facing discrimination
• Florida Access – state benefits and disability resources

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1. Florida Fair Housing Act (Fla. Stat. § 760.23)
2. HUD: Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications for Persons with Disabilities
3. Florida Commission on Human Relations – How to File a Complaint

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