Formswift: Save time with our user-friendly Florida lease agreement template
Create a seamless rental experience with our Florida lease agreement template. Effortlessly tailor it to your unique needs and protect your rights as a landlord or tenant, saving time and ensuring a smooth real estate leasing process.
The most commonly used Florida lease agreement is a standard residential lease agreement.
This comprehensive rental agreement covers essential aspects for occupancy such as:
- The lease term
- Rent due date and amount
- Security deposit
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Pet policies
- Late charges
How to write a Florida lease agreement
Writing a Florida lease agreement may seem daunting, but with our user-friendly template, it's a simple process.
Include the names and addresses of both the landlord (lessor) and the tenant (lessee), along with the residential property's address.
Clearly state the lease start and end dates, as well as the rental amount and rent payment schedule.
Outline rules and restrictions: Include any rules regarding pets, smoking, noise, or other specific regulations.
Explain the amount of the security deposit, how it will be used, and the conditions for its return.
Define whether there is a property manager, or who is responsible for repairs and maintenance tasks.
Depending on the situation, you may want to include clauses regarding utilities, late fees, parking, landlord’s access, or other specific terms.
Which disclosures belong in a Florida lease agreement?
To ensure transparency and compliance with Florida statutes, certain disclosures should be included in a Florida lease agreement. These typically include:
- Lead-based paint disclosure: For properties built before 1978, landlords must provide information about any known lead-based paint hazards.
- Mold disclosure: Landlords must disclose any known mold issues in the rental property.
- Flood zone disclosure: This disclosure informs tenants about the potential risks if the property is located in a flood zone.
- Radon gas disclosure: Landlords must disclose any knowledge of radon gas presence in the rental property.
What you need to know about Florida rental lease agreement deposits
Florida residential lease agreement deposits play a crucial role in protecting landlords and tenants alike.
Security deposits
Landlords can request a security deposit to cover any unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear. The amount is typically equal to one month's rent, though there are technically no limits.
Deposit refunds
Landlords must return the security deposit within 15 days after the tenant moves out, minus any deductions for damages or unpaid rent.
Written notice
If deductions are made from the security deposit, landlords must provide a written itemized statement detailing the charges and their reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement, Florida landlords generally cannot increase the rent until the lease term expires.
Breaking a lease agreement before its expiration can have legal consequences and risk eviction. However, landlord-tenant laws allow for certain circumstances, such as military deployment or domestic violence, may allow a tenant to terminate the lease early.
Florida law does not impose a specific limit on security deposit amounts, but it must be reasonable and cannot exceed the equivalent of two months' rent.
Generally, landlords must provide reasonable notice (usually 12 to 24 hours’ notice) before entering the rental unit, and observe reasonable times.
Looking for other Florida documents?
Formswift is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. Formswift's documents are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. Communications between you and Formswift are governed by the Formswift Privacy Policy but are not protected by the attorney-client privilege or as work product. Formswift does not provide advice, opinions, or recommendations about individual's legal rights, options, strategies, or the selection of forms. Your use of the Formswift website and forms is governed by the Formswift Terms of Service.