Illegal Rental Advertisement Language in Florida

Florida renters deserve equal access to housing opportunities, but certain words and phrases in rental ads are illegal under state and federal law. If you’re searching for a new place to live in Florida, it’s helpful to know what types of language landlords and property managers can not use in rental advertisements. This knowledge protects your rights and helps you identify possible discrimination.

What Language is Illegal in Florida Rental Ads?

Both federal and Florida law prohibit discriminatory language in any advertisements for renting, leasing, or selling housing. That means rental ads—on any platform—cannot make statements or use words that show a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on:

• Race, color, or national origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial status (e.g., families with children)
• Pregnancy
• Any other protected category under Florida or federal law

These protections are outlined by the federal Fair Housing Act and the Florida Fair Housing Act.^[1]

Examples of Illegal Language in Rental Ads

• "No children" or "adults only"
• "Christian home" or "Jewish only"
• "Whites only" or "No Hispanics"
• "Ideal for single professionals" (if intended to exclude families)
• "No wheelchair users" or "must be able-bodied"
• References to preferred national origin, ethnicity, or ancestry
• "Females only" (unless it’s a shared living situation like a roommate arrangement and permitted by law)

These types of statements may violate fair housing laws even if the ad does not use explicitly offensive terms. The law focuses on whether a "reasonable person" would see the ad as showing a discriminatory preference or limitation.

What Language is Allowed?

Landlords can describe the property’s features ("no elevator," "second-floor apartment," or "large backyard") as long as the wording does not express a preference for certain types of people. General descriptions of the housing are usually safe, provided they are factual and neutral.

Reporting Discriminatory Rental Ads

Florida renters who notice illegal language in rental advertisements have the right to file a fair housing complaint. The process is designed to help enforce the law and protect your access to housing. Complaints can be filed with:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) — the official state agency responsible for residential tenancies and fair housing matters in Florida

Official Complaint Forms

• FCHR Housing Discrimination Complaint Form: Used to report discriminatory advertising, refusal to rent, or other illegal housing practices. Download the official FCHR form here.
• HUD Form 903.1: Use this federal form to submit a fair housing complaint to HUD. View and download HUD Form 903.1.

When to use: If you see a rental ad in Florida that seems to discriminate on any protected ground, fill out one of these forms and submit it online, by mail, or in person, with details about the ad and attach a copy or screenshot if possible.

How Florida Law Defines Rental Advertising Discrimination

The Florida Fair Housing Act closely mirrors federal law. It is illegal to publish rental advertisements that "indicate any preference, limitation, or discrimination" based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or familial status (Florida Statutes Chapter 760.23).^[2] Even online listings and verbal offers may be covered.

What To Do If You Spot Illegal Language

• Take a screenshot or copy of the advertisement
• Document where and when you saw the ad
• File a complaint using the official forms above
• Contact the Florida Commission on Human Relations for help or guidance

Enforcement agencies cannot take action unless they are notified. Your report is an important step in making housing fairer for everyone.

FAQs: Rental Advertising and Discrimination in Florida

1. What should I do if I see a Florida rental ad that says "no kids"?
   If you spot an ad excluding families with children, it may violate the Fair Housing Act. Save the advertisement, then submit a complaint to the Florida Commission on Human Relations or HUD using the official forms above.
2. Are roommate ads covered by these rules?
   Some exceptions apply to shared housing, but most public advertisements—including for roommates—should not state a preference for race or other protected categories unless there is a legal exemption. When in doubt, seek guidance from FCHR.
3. Can ads mention that a building is "senior housing"?
   Properties that officially qualify as "housing for older persons" under state and federal law may advertise that status. However, properties must meet specific legal requirements, so general age limitations without this status can be illegal.
4. Does this law cover social media and classified ads, too?
   Yes. The law applies to all rental listings—online, in print, or in person. Discriminatory language is not allowed anywhere.
5. Who enforces rental ad discrimination laws in Florida?
   The Florida Commission on Human Relations investigates state-level complaints. HUD investigates federal cases and coordinates with the state when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Commission on Human Relations: Main agency for housing discrimination cases
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Federal fair housing complaints
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation: Fair Housing
• Department of Justice: Fair Housing Act

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1. "Fair Housing Act". U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov/crt/fair-housing-act-2
2. "Florida Fair Housing Act". Florida Statutes Chapter 760.23. https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/07601

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