Florida Residential Lease Disclosure Requirements: 2024 Guide

When you sign a residential lease in Florida, your landlord is legally required to give you certain important information. These requirements—known as required disclosures—protect your health, rights, and financial interests throughout your tenancy in the Sunshine State. Understanding these disclosures helps you avoid surprises and ensures your landlord is following Florida law.

What Are Required Disclosures in Florida Leases?

Required disclosures are pieces of information a landlord must provide in writing, often before or at the signing of your lease. They help renters understand property conditions, financial responsibilities, and what to expect during the rental period.

Main Required Lease Disclosures for Florida Renters

• Security Deposit Rules: Florida landlords must share how your deposit is held (Section 83.49, Florida Statutes). This includes the type of account and whether it earns interest. The landlord must notify you within 30 days after receiving your deposit.
• Radon Gas Disclosure: By law, every Florida residential lease must contain a specific warning about radon gas (Section 404.056, Florida Statutes), even if there’s no known radon.
• Ownership and Authorized Manager Disclosure: Your landlord must provide the name and address of the property owner or person authorized to manage the premises (Section 83.50, Florida Statutes). This ensures you know who to contact for notices or repairs.
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (For Pre-1978 Homes): Federal law requires this disclosure for dwellings built before 1978. You must receive a pamphlet and known information about lead paint (EPA Lead Disclosure Rule).
• Fire Protection Disclosure (If the building is equipped): In some circumstances (e.g., certain apartments, condos), you must receive information on available fire protection features (Section 718.616, Florida Statutes).

These disclosures are intended to keep renters informed and healthy—and to support a fair rental experience.

Official Forms Renters Should Know

• EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (Form EPA 402-C-0089): Used if you are renting a home built before 1978. Your landlord must provide this before you sign your lease.
  Example: If your apartment was constructed in 1967, your landlord gives you the EPA form listing any known lead paint hazards.
  Download EPA Disclosure Form
• Security Deposit Disclosure Notice: There is no single statewide form number, but this must be given to you in writing or included in your lease.
  Example: When you pay your security deposit, your landlord must inform you (typically by a letter or lease clause) about the banking account details and rules on returns.
  See sample language at Florida Housing
• Florida Statutory Radon Gas Disclosure: The law requires specific wording in every lease. It is included as a lease clause, not a separate form.
  Example: Your lease includes the radon warning required by Florida law, even if there’s no history of radon issues.
  Review required radon disclosure text

Why These Disclosures Matter

Disclosures protect the rights of both renters and landlords. They help avoid disputes, support health and safety, and make responsibilities clear. If your landlord does not provide required disclosures, you may have the right to remedies such as breaking your lease or requesting official help.

What If a Landlord Fails to Provide a Disclosure?

• If a disclosure (such as information about your security deposit) isn’t given as required by law, you may have protections—like requesting your deposit’s immediate return or reporting your landlord.
• For missing federal lead disclosures, you can report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• For state violations, file a complaint with Florida’s Division of Consumer Services or seek legal support.

Who Handles Residential Tenancy Issues in Florida?

Florida does not have a statewide tenancy tribunal, but most issues are handled by local county courts or small claims courts. You can also contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for information, or refer to Florida Housing for renter protections and programs.

FAQ: Florida Lease Disclosure Questions

1. What happens if my landlord doesn’t give me the required disclosures?
   If your landlord fails to provide a required disclosure, you may have certain rights under Florida law, such as breaking your lease or seeking compensation for damages. Contact the Division of Consumer Services for guidance.
2. Do Florida leases always have to mention radon gas?
   Yes. Every residential lease, regardless of the building’s age or radon history, must include the statutory radon warning under Section 404.056 of Florida law.
3. Is a lead-based paint disclosure needed for all Florida rentals?
   No, only for properties built before 1978. If your rental was built after 1978, this disclosure is not legally required.
4. Can renters request a copy of their security deposit disclosure in Florida?
   Yes, renters should receive written notice about their security deposit’s handling within 30 days. If you didn’t get one, ask your landlord for documentation.
5. What if my lease does not list the owner’s name and address?
   This information is required by Section 83.50. If it is missing, notify your landlord and request that it be added or provided in writing.

Summary: Florida Lease Disclosures Made Simple

• Florida law protects renters by requiring key disclosures on deposits, safety, and health risks
• Always verify all disclosures are present before signing a lease
• If a disclosure is missing, contact your landlord or Florida’s consumer protection agencies for help

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form
• Florida Housing – Tenant Rights and Protections
• Florida Legal Services
• Local Legal Aid: Find your nearest Legal Aid Office
• Official tenancy legislation: Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 83)

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1. Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 83, Florida Statutes): View the full statute
2. Security deposit rules: Section 83.49, Florida Statutes
3. Radon gas disclosure: Section 404.056, Florida Statutes
4. Owner information: Section 83.50, Florida Statutes
5. EPA Lead Disclosure Rule: EPA official disclosure info
6. Fire protection for condos: Section 718.616, Florida Statutes

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