Florida Tenant Rights for Disputing Water Bills

Dealing with a surprise or confusing water bill can be stressful for renters in Florida. Whether the bill seems unusually high, unclear, or you’re being charged for services you don’t use, knowing your rights—and the steps you can take—can help you protect yourself and resolve the issue. This guide outlines Florida’s laws and tenant options when facing water bill disputes with your landlord or property manager.

When Are Tenants Responsible for Water Bills in Florida?

Your responsibility for water bills in Florida depends on what your lease states and whether there is a written agreement with your landlord.

• If your lease clearly states that tenants must pay for water, you’re generally required to do so.
• If water is included in the rent, the landlord normally cannot charge you extra unless you and the landlord agree in writing.
• Sometimes, buildings are ‘submetered’, meaning each unit has its own meter and tenants are billed for their individual use. Ask if there are submeters and where you can see the meter reading.

If the lease is unclear or you’re unsure about who pays for water, you have the right to ask your landlord for clarification in writing.

Common Water Bill Disputes in Florida Rentals

Some of the most common water bill problems faced by Florida tenants include:

• Unexpected bill increases without explanation
• Being billed for another unit’s usage or for shared/common areas
• Landlord refusing to show the original bill or meter readings
• Billed charges for water leaks or faulty plumbing the tenant did not cause

Under Florida Statutes Chapter 83, Part II – The Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords are required to maintain plumbing in good working order (except in single-family homes or duplexes where otherwise agreed upon in writing)¹.

How to Dispute a Water Bill as a Florida Tenant

If you feel your water bill is incorrect or unfair, you have several options for resolving the dispute. Here’s a simple step-by-step checklist:

• Review your lease for any clauses about utility charges and water billing.
• Request a written copy of the bill and meter readings from your landlord.
• Document everything: Keep copies of the bill, your lease, text messages, and emails.
• Contact the local water utility to confirm actual usage and check for unusual spikes or errors.
• If there are signs of leaks or plumbing issues, promptly notify your landlord in writing and request repairs, as required by state law.
• If your landlord refuses to address legitimate concerns, you can send official written notice using legal forms (see below).

Official Notice: Using Florida’s 7-Day Notice to Cure Form

If your landlord does not resolve water billing disputes or fails to repair plumbing issues, Florida tenants can serve a “7-Day Notice to Cure” (also called Notice to Landlord – Noncompliance Other Than Failure to Pay Rent).

• Form Name: Notice from Tenant to Landlord – Noncompliance (Other than Failure to Pay Rent)
• When to Use: If the landlord is not repairing a plumbing problem affecting your bill or otherwise not following Florida’s rental law
• Where to Get It: Download directly from the Florida Courts official website.
• Example Use: “Dear Landlord, this written notice is to inform you that the water bill is unreasonably high due to a known leak in the plumbing, which you have not fixed. Please remedy this within 7 days or I may pursue remedies as allowed by law.”

Sending this notice is an important formal step. If your landlord still does not act, you may have the right to withhold a portion of rent or seek remedies in court, but always consult the law or an attorney before withholding.

Filing a Complaint or Seeking Legal Help

For unresolved issues, you can make a complaint to your local housing authority, or in some cases, file a civil action in county court. The main Florida tribunal for such cases is your County Court. Mediators may also be available through the court to help resolve the dispute.

What Florida Law Says About Water Bills and Utilities

The governing legislation is the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Florida Statutes Chapter 83, Part II).¹

• Section 83.51(1) - Landlords must maintain plumbing & water systems (except in some single-family cases).
• Section 83.54 - Outlines tenant rights to enforce the lease and rights under the Act.
• Section 83.60 - Establishes how tenants may raise defenses in eviction cases, including lack of repairs.

Florida Water Bill Dispute FAQs

1. Can my landlord cut off my water if I dispute or delay payment?
   No. Under Florida law, landlords cannot shut off water or other essential utilities to force payment or as a form of retaliation. Only a legal court order can authorize utility termination.
2. What if my lease doesn’t mention water bills?
   If the lease is silent, check local law, but usually the landlord is responsible unless you have a clear written agreement saying otherwise.
3. Who can I contact if my landlord won’t fix a leaking pipe causing high bills?
   Notify your local housing code enforcement or file a formal notice as described above. You can also seek help from your county court.
4. How soon should my landlord respond to a written water bill complaint?
   Florida law allows landlords seven days to remedy most repair or utility issues after receiving written notice.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) – Landlord/Tenant Information
• Florida Courts – County Court Locator
• Florida Legal Services – Free/low-cost legal advocacy and assistance
• Contact your local housing authority for mediation and complaint support.

---

1. Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Florida Statutes Chapter 83, Part II)
2. Official Florida 7-Day Notice to Landlord Form (Noncompliance Other than Failure to Pay Rent)
3. Florida County Court Directory

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations