Florida Tenant Rights: Domestic Violence Protections

If you are a renter in Florida and experiencing domestic violence, state law offers special protections to help you stay safe. Understanding your rights can help you take control, from breaking your lease early without penalty to changing the locks on your rental unit. This guide explains Florida's domestic violence tenant protections in plain language, points to official forms, and tells you exactly what to do in practical situations.

Florida Tenant Protections for Domestic Violence Victims

Florida law recognizes that renters facing domestic violence may need to leave their home quickly or take steps to secure their safety. The state’s tenant protection laws give you rights to end your lease early, request lock changes, and seek confidentiality—without penalty or discrimination from your landlord.

Your Key Rights as a Florida Renter

• End your lease early if you or a household member are a victim of domestic violence with documented evidence
• Request lock changes to protect your safety
• Protections from discrimination by your landlord due to your situation
• Confidentiality of your personal information related to domestic violence status

The main Florida law covering these tenant protections is Florida Statutes Chapter 83 – Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1]

Breaking Your Lease Early Due to Domestic Violence

When you need to leave for your safety, Florida law allows you to break your rental agreement without penalty. You must provide written notice and documentation to your landlord.

How to Give Notice and What Documents Are Needed

• Write a notice stating that you or an immediate family member are a victim of domestic violence and you are exercising your right to terminate the lease
• Attach a copy of one of the following:
  • A final injunction for protection against domestic violence (court order)
  • A police report or record documenting the abuse
• Give your landlord at least 30 days' written notice before you plan to move out

You are still responsible for rent until the date the notice period ends or until you move out, whichever is later, but are not responsible for fees or future rent under the lease.

Example of Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence (Form 12.980(a))
  Used when: You are seeking a legal order of protection from the court.
  How to use: Complete this form with details of your situation and file it with the circuit court in your county. This serves as official documentation to break your lease.
  Download Petition for Injunction (Form 12.980(a)) (all Florida court forms)

If you already received a court protection order, use that order (final injunction) for your landlord notice.

Changing Your Locks for Safety

Florida law permits you to request lock changes—at your expense—to keep yourself safe. Your landlord must allow you to do this if you provide appropriate notice and show documentation of your situation.

• Give your landlord written notice asking for a lock change
  • Include proof of domestic violence (e.g., injunction, police report)
• Arrange for a licensed locksmith (unless your landlord provides this service)
• Give your landlord a copy of the new key, unless the abuser is the landlord

Filing a Complaint or Seeking Further Protection

If your landlord does not respect your rights, you may file a complaint or seek legal assistance. In Florida, rental housing issues are addressed through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Eviction actions and injunctions go through your local county court—called the Florida State Courts system.

• Prepare copies of all written notices, court orders, and correspondence with your landlord
• File documentation with your county court if legal action is necessary

FAQ: Domestic Violence Protections for Florida Renters

1. Can I break my lease in Florida if I am a victim of domestic violence?
   Yes. If you provide your landlord with written notice and proof (such as a court injunction or police report), Florida law allows you to terminate your lease early without penalty.
2. Do I have to pay any fees for ending my lease due to domestic violence?
   No. You are only responsible for rent up to the move-out date or the end of the notice period, whichever is later, but you do not owe any early termination penalties or future rent.
3. What type of documentation is accepted as proof of domestic violence?
   Acceptable documentation includes a Florida court-issued injunction for protection or a police report documenting the violence or threats.
4. Can I change the locks on my rental unit?
   Yes. With written notice and proper documentation, you can request a lock change for your safety. You must provide a new key to the landlord unless the abuser is also the landlord.
5. Who handles tenant-landlord disputes in Florida?
   Disputes are generally handled by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or your local county court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): For rental complaints and information.
• Florida State Courts: File protection orders and seek legal remedies.
• Florida Domestic Violence Program (DCF): Shelters, hotlines, and support.
• Self-Help Domestic Violence Resources (sample forms and filing help)

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1. Florida Statutes Chapter 83 – Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Florida State Courts
3. Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a)
4. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

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