Under Florida law, tenants have several important rights designed to ensure safe housing, fair treatment, and due process. One of the core rights is the right to a habitable dwelling. Landlords must comply with applicable building, housing, and health codes and maintain essential services such as plumbing, hot water, heat, weatherproofing, and structural safety. If a landlord fails to make required repairs, tenants have the right—after giving proper written notice and time to cure—to withhold rent or terminate the lease in limited circumstances allowed by law.

Tenants also have strong notice and due process rights. A landlord cannot evict a tenant without following the formal court eviction process. Before filing an eviction, the landlord must give legally required written notice, such as a three-day notice for nonpayment of rent or a seven-day notice for most lease violations. Self-help evictions are illegal, meaning landlords may not change locks, shut off utilities, remove doors, or force a tenant out without a court order. Tenants have the right to remain in the unit until a judge issues a writ of possession.

Florida law protects tenants from retaliation and unfair treatment. A landlord may not raise rent, reduce services, or attempt eviction in retaliation for a tenant asserting legal rights, complaining to a government agency, or joining a tenant organization. Tenants also have the right to reasonable privacy, as landlords generally must give at least 12 hours’ notice and enter only at reasonable times, except in emergencies.

Tenants have specific rights regarding security deposits. Landlords must notify tenants in writing where and how the deposit is held and must return the deposit within 15 days after the tenant moves out if no claim is made. If the landlord intends to keep part or all of the deposit, written notice explaining the claim must be provided within 30 days, and tenants have the right to object.

Overall, Florida tenant rights focus on safe living conditions, clear notice requirements, protection from unlawful eviction, privacy, and fair handling of money and lease enforcement, giving tenants legal tools to challenge improper landlord conduct while balancing the landlord’s property rights.