Internet Service Rights and Responsibilities in Florida Rentals

Staying connected is vital for Florida renters, but questions often arise about who must provide, pay for, or maintain internet service in an apartment. If you're unsure about internet service responsibilities in your Florida rental, knowing your rights under state law can help you avoid confusion and address problems effectively.

Who Is Responsible for Internet Service in Florida Rentals?

In Florida, the responsibility for providing internet service in an apartment is not specifically addressed in the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1] This usually means:

• Internet is not a required utility by law. Landlords are not automatically required to provide internet service unless your lease specifically says so.
• Commonly, renters are responsible for setting up and paying for internet.
• If your lease states that internet is included, your landlord must uphold this promise.

Always check your written lease. This is the final word on whether your landlord must provide or pay for internet service.

What If My Lease Includes Internet?

If your lease or rental agreement states that internet is included, your landlord is legally required to maintain that service for you during your tenancy. Failure to provide promised internet could be a breach of the lease, giving you the right to request repairs or, in severe cases, even break your lease.

What About Outages or Poor Service?

If your apartment came with landlord-provided internet and the service stops working, the landlord must act to fix the issue within a reasonable time. However, if you set up your own internet, you are responsible for troubleshooting and working with your provider.

Can I Choose My Own Internet Provider?

Unless your building has exclusive agreements (which must be disclosed in the lease), Florida renters can generally choose their provider—subject to what connections are available at your address.

• Some apartments may have building-wide contracts with specific providers. Review your lease for restrictions.
• If you want to install a new line (e.g., fiber), you will typically need landlord approval for modifications to the property.

Florida Official Forms & How To Take Action

If you believe your landlord is not honoring a lease term about internet service, you can formally notify them. In Florida, the appropriate document is usually the Notice of Noncompliance – Seven Day Notice to Cure (No official form number, but template provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services).

• Download the Seven Day Notice template from the official site.
• When to use: For example, if your lease includes internet but the service has been unavailable for over a week, you can serve this notice demanding the landlord fix the issue within 7 days.

If you and your landlord cannot resolve a dispute, renters can seek resolution through the Florida state court system, which handles landlord-tenant matters. There is no specialized residential tenancy board in Florida; small claims or county civil courts address these issues.

Key Renter Takeaway

FAQ: Internet in Florida Apartments

1. Does my landlord have to pay for my internet in Florida?
   Usually, no. Unless your lease specifically includes internet service, renters are responsible for the bill and setup.
2. What if my lease says internet is included but I don't have service?
   You can provide your landlord with a written notice (Seven Day Notice to Cure) requesting they restore the service within 7 days. If they don’t, you may have further rights under Florida law.
3. Can my landlord restrict the type of internet I use?
   Landlords can only limit providers if your lease clearly states so. Otherwise, you may choose any available service compatible with your apartment.
4. How do I file a formal complaint if my landlord refuses to fix internet covered by my lease?
   Start with a Seven Day Notice to Cure. If unresolved, you may need to file a claim at your local Florida county court.
5. Are there state resources for understanding my utility and service rights?
   Yes, see resources below and refer to the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Check your lease first: It is the main authority on whether landlords must provide or pay for internet service.
• If internet is promised and not delivered, you can use Florida's official notice forms to assert your rights.
• For unresolved disputes, you may bring your case to county court.

Understanding your rights makes it easier to maintain vital services like internet in your Florida apartment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Landlord-Tenant Law Overview – Guides and templates
• Florida State Courts System – For filing claims and landlord-tenant disputes
• Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 83, Part II) – State tenancy legislation
• Local Legal Aid Society: Search your county for free or low-cost legal advice

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1. Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Chapter 83, Part II
2. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Landlord-Tenant Law
3. Florida State Courts System: Landlord-Tenant Information

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