Florida Laws on Surveillance Cameras in Apartment Common Areas

For renters in Florida, the use of surveillance cameras in apartment or rental property common areas is an important legal topic. With increasing concerns about privacy and safety, many landlords install security cameras—but understanding your rights and the law protects you from illegal surveillance. This article explains Florida laws on surveillance cameras in common areas, your rights as a tenant, and what to do if you have concerns.

What Are Common Areas and Where Can Cameras Be Installed?

Common areas are spaces that all tenants in a rental building or complex share. Examples include:

• Building lobbies
• Hallways and stairwells
• Laundry rooms
• Parking lots and garages
• Clubhouses or shared outdoor spaces

Florida law generally allows landlords to install surveillance cameras in these spaces for security purposes, as long as they do not infringe on your reasonable expectation of privacy.^[1]

Florida Law on Surveillance Cameras and Tenant Privacy

Florida’s main privacy protection law is Florida Statutes Section 934.03, which makes it illegal to intentionally intercept "oral communications" where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. However, this statute does not generally prohibit silent video surveillance in public or semi-public areas like lobbies, hallways, or laundry rooms unless audio is recorded without consent.

Prohibited Camera Locations

Cameras generally cannot be placed in areas where tenants expect privacy, such as:

• Inside rented apartments or rooms
• Bathrooms
• Locker rooms
• Changing areas

Using cameras in these locations may violate both state privacy laws and your right to "quiet enjoyment" as guaranteed under Florida's Landlord and Tenant Act.^[2]

Your Rights and What Landlords Must Do

While Florida law does not require landlords to give notice before installing cameras in common areas, your landlord must:

• Avoid installing cameras in any private or sensitive locations
• Ensure cameras are only used for legitimate security purposes
• Not use cameras to harass or intimidate tenants

If you feel cameras are intrusive or violate your rights, you can raise your concerns directly with your landlord. If the issue continues, you have options for formal complaint or legal recourse (see steps below).

How to Address Concerns About Cameras in Common Areas

If you believe a camera is placed illegally or violates your privacy as a Florida renter, take these actions:

• Document your concerns: Take note of camera locations, angles, and whether audio is being recorded.
• Communicate with your landlord: Politely send a written request asking for cameras to be moved or privacy concerns addressed.
• File a formal complaint: If communication doesn’t resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
• Consider legal remedies: If there is an ongoing or severe privacy violation, you may wish to consult with an attorney or apply to the county court for relief.

If you file a complaint with the DBPR, you may need to use the “Complaint Form (Form DBPR HR-7030).” For example, if your building owner places a camera in the communal bathroom, submit this form (with supporting photos if possible) to officially start an investigation.

Relevant Tribunals and Florida Tenancy Laws

For landlord-tenant issues, the county court (sometimes called "County Civil Court" or "Small Claims Court") is the relevant authority in Florida. You can learn more about resolving disputes on the official Florida Courts Landlord-Tenant resource page.

The main law governing renters and landlords is the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Chapter 83, Part II.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord put cameras in apartment hallways in Florida?
   Yes, landlords can install cameras in hallways and other shared spaces for security, as long as they don’t record audio or infringe on reasonable expectations of privacy.
2. Is it illegal for a landlord to have cameras in shared bathrooms or inside my unit?
   Yes, it is forbidden for landlords to place cameras in any area where tenants have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including bathrooms and inside apartments.
3. Do landlords need to post signs about cameras in common areas?
   No, Florida law does not require landlords to post signs, but it is often considered good practice to notify tenants about security cameras.
4. How can I file a complaint about an illegal camera placement?
   You can submit a complaint using the DBPR Complaint Form (Form DBPR HR-7030) and send it to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. If privacy rights are being severely violated, you can contact law enforcement or seek relief through your county court.

Key Takeaways

• Florida generally allows cameras in common areas but never in private areas like bathrooms or inside units.
• If you believe your privacy is being violated, you can talk to your landlord, file a complaint with the DBPR, or contact the courts.
• Always document concerns and know your rights under the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation - Landlord-Tenant Complaints
• Florida Courts Landlord-Tenant Resource Page
• Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• Complaint Form (DBPR HR-7030) — used to file official complaints about property issues, including illegal surveillance

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1. See Florida Statutes Section 934.03 (Interception and recording of communications)
2. See Florida Statutes Section 83.51 (Landlord’s obligation to maintain premises)

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