Florida Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Guide for Renters

Living in a mobile home park in Florida offers unique advantages, but issues with lot rent, park rules, or maintenance can occasionally arise. If you are a renter facing disagreements with your park owner, Florida has official dispute resolution programs and protections to help you. Knowing your options can empower you to address concerns fairly and efficiently.

Understanding Florida's Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Programs

Florida provides special protections for mobile home park residents under the Florida Mobile Home Act (Chapter 723, Florida Statutes), which outlines your rights and sets rules for both renters and park owners^[1]. For renters, this means there are formal ways to resolve issues beyond trying to negotiate directly.

What Types of Disputes are Covered?

• Rent increases or changes to fees
• Rule changes or enforcement in the park
• Eviction notices and procedures
• Maintenance and common area concerns
• Alleged violations of the rental agreement

Addressing concerns early can often prevent problems from escalating, but if informal discussions don't resolve the issue, you have official options in Florida.

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): Your Main Contact

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the agency responsible for mobile home park complaints. Within DBPR, the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes specifically handles mobile home park disputes and offers information, forms, and assistance^[2].

The DBPR's dispute resolution options can include informal mediation and assistance with interpreting the law.

Official Complaint Process and Forms

If you cannot reach a solution directly with your park owner, you can file an official complaint with the DBPR. The main form for this purpose is:

• Complaint Form: "Mobile Home Park Complaint Form" (Form DBPR-0070-1)
  When to use: If you believe your rights under the Florida Mobile Home Act have been violated (for example, if you received an improper rent increase notice or feel the park is not maintaining common areas as required), this form allows you to formally start a government investigation.
  How to use: Fill out the form with your contact details, park information, and a summary of the dispute. Attach supporting documents if possible, then submit the form to the DBPR by mail or online. Access the official Mobile Home Park Complaint Form here.

After your complaint is reviewed, the DBPR may mediate, request more information, or refer you to other resources. They cannot represent individual renters in court, but their involvement often helps resolve issues without escalation.

Other Forms You Might Use

• Request for Mediation (No standard statewide form): If both parties agree, you may request DBPR-facilitated voluntary mediation. Contact the DBPR Mobile Homes Division for assistance with mediation scheduling.

For some disputes, especially those about eviction, formal legal notices may be required. Review the requirements on the DBPR's Lot Tenancy page for more information, or consider asking for legal guidance.

Additional Steps: Legal Action and Arbitration

If you remain unsatisfied after using the DBPR's dispute resolution, Florida law allows further steps such as court challenges or, in some cases, binding arbitration. Seek help from state resources or mediation programs before seeking court action to save time and costs.

Florida Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution: What to Expect

• DBPR will acknowledge your complaint and may request more documentation.
• You may be invited to participate in mediation.
• If the dispute is not resolved, formal legal action may be discussed as a next step.

Throughout the process, renters are protected under the terms of the Florida Mobile Home Act and related regulations.

FAQs About Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution in Florida

1. How do I file a complaint about my mobile home park in Florida?
   You can file a complaint using the Mobile Home Park Complaint Form (DBPR-0070-1) and submitting it to the DBPR Mobile Homes Division. See official form details above.
2. What issues can be addressed through the dispute resolution program?
   Common issues include rent increases, rule disputes, park maintenance concerns, and improper eviction procedures.
3. Who enforces mobile home park regulations in Florida?
   The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) enforces laws protecting mobile home park renters under the Florida Mobile Home Act.
4. Is mediation mandatory before taking legal action?
   Mediation through DBPR is typically voluntary but often recommended before any court action.
5. Does the dispute resolution program cost anything for renters?
   The DBPR's complaint and mediation services are generally free or low-cost for renters.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida DBPR Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes – Main hotline: 1-800-226-9101
• Official Mobile Home Park Complaint Form (DBPR-0070-1)
• Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service – Find local legal help
• Florida Law Help – Free information and referrals for renters

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1. Florida Statutes, Chapter 723 – Florida Mobile Home Act
2. DBPR, Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes

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