Is there rent control in Florida in 2025?

No. Florida does not have statewide or citywide rent control, so landlords can set rent prices if proper notice is given.

How much can a landlord increase my rent?

Florida law does not limit rent increases. The landlord chooses the amount but must provide written notice.

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Florida?

There is no set maximum. Most landlords charge one or two months’ rent as a deposit.

What can I do if my landlord won’t return my security deposit?

Send a written dispute by mail (such as a 7-Day Notice). If the issue is not resolved, file a claim in county court.

Who handles rental disputes in Florida?

Local county courts handle formal disputes. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation offers general guidance.

Florida Rent Prices and Legal Caps: 2025 Renter's Guide

Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Florida published: June 21, 2025

Florida renters often face questions about rent prices, deposit rules, and whether there are any legal caps on rent increases. Navigating these topics can help you plan for housing costs and know your rights if you face unexpected increases. This straightforward guide breaks down Florida's 2025 average rent data, fee and deposit limits, and what state law says about rent caps.

Current Average Rent Prices in Florida for 2025

Rental prices in Florida change depending on the city, neighborhood, and property type. As of early 2025, official data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development indicates:

Statewide Median Rent: Around $1,410/month for a 1-bedroom apartment
Higher rent areas: Coastal cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa may exceed $2,000/month
Lower cost regions: Central and Northern Florida cities (Lakeland, Ocala) have options near $1,100/month

If you’re budgeting for a move, check the HUD Fair Market Rent 2025 Data for your specific county or metro area.

Are There Legal Limits or Caps on Rent in Florida?

Florida does not have statewide rent control or rent caps. This means landlords can set rent prices and increase them as they choose, as long as they provide proper notice and do not raise rent in a discriminatory or retaliatory way.

Notice required for increases: At least 15 days written notice before the end of a month-to-month lease, or as defined by your lease agreement for longer terms.
Section 83.57 of the Florida Statutes outlines notice periods for lease termination, which also apply to rent changes.
Some local governments (like Miami Beach) have explored local rent stabilization, but as of 2025, there are no citywide rent caps anywhere in Florida.

What About Municipal Ordinances?

While state law does not limit rent amounts, a few Florida municipalities may require additional notice if rent increases exceed a certain percentage. Always check your city or county’s official housing website for updates.

If your rent is raised unexpectedly, ask for all changes in writing and review your lease terms to ensure proper notice was given. If unsure, contact Florida's official landlord-tenant help resources (see below).

Security Deposit Rules and Maximum Fees

Florida law does not set a maximum security deposit amount a landlord can charge. However, it does regulate how deposits must be handled, returned, and disputed under the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Deposit return: Landlords must return your security deposit within 15-30 days after you vacate, depending on whether they intend to make any claims for damages.
Notification: If a landlord plans to withhold all or part of the deposit, they must send a written notice stating the reasons within 30 days.
Official form: While there is no statewide required form, landlords must provide a written statement; renters can respond with their own written dispute if they disagree.
See Florida Statutes Section 83.49 for legal details.

Common Fees to Watch For

Application fees (typically capped locally, but no statewide limit)
Late rent fees (must be reasonable and clearly stated in the lease)
Pet fees and deposits (at landlord discretion)

Carefully review your lease for all fees and demand written receipts for all payments.

Official Tribunals and Where to Get Help

In Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the main state body providing landlord-tenant resources. However, disputes about rent, deposits, or eviction are typically handled in your local county court (Small Claims Court for many rental disputes).

The primary law governing your rights is the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Part II, Chapter 83).¹

What to Do If Your Rent Increases or Deposit Isn't Returned

Request all changes to rent or notices about deposits in writing
If you disagree, send the landlord a written dispute by certified mail
If not resolved, you may file a claim with your local county court
For instructions and courthouse locations, visit the Florida Courts Family Law & Tenant Forms page

Please note: There is no single statewide "rent increase" or "deposit dispute" form, but Florida's Notice to Landlord of Noncompliance (Form 3-Day/7-Day Notice) is often used by tenants for non-returned deposits or other issues.

Form: 3-Day/7-Day Notice (Tenant to Landlord)
Usage: If your landlord is not returning your deposit or breaches the lease, fill this form to give them written notice. For example, if your landlord fails to return your deposit within 30 days, send a 7-Day Notice of Noncompliance to formally request action.
View official 3-Day/7-Day Notice forms (PDF)

FAQ: Florida Rent, Fees, and Deposit Limits

Is there rent control in Florida in 2025?
No, there is currently no statewide or citywide rent control anywhere in Florida. Landlords set their own rent and raises but must provide written notice.
How much can a landlord increase my rent?
State law does not limit rent increases. The increase amount is at the landlord’s discretion, but they must give proper notice (usually 15 days for month-to-month rentals).
What is the maximum security deposit?
There is no maximum limit in Florida, but most landlords charge an amount equal to one or two months’ rent.
How do I dispute a late or non-returned deposit?
Send a certified letter to your landlord disputing the claim. If not resolved, file a complaint in your county court. You may use the 7-Day Notice of Noncompliance form.
Who handles rental housing disputes?
Local county courts typically handle disputes. State agencies like the DBPR provide general information, but legal filings go through the court.

Key Takeaways for Florida Renters

Florida does not impose rent caps, but landlords must provide written notice for increases
Security deposits have no set legal maximum but must be returned or disputed per state law
Disputes about rent or deposits go through your local county court using standard notice forms

Check your city or county’s website for any additional renter protections or local requirements.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) – Landlord-Tenant Info
Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Current Part II Text)
Florida State Courts – County Court Directory and Tenant Forms
For legal support, contact Florida Law Help or your local county Legal Aid office