Practice & Fair Housing·Fl Landlord Tenant Updates

Florida Landlord-Tenant Law Updates — 2025

Exam: Real Estate Salesperson — Florida Chapter: Ch8 — Florida Practice and Property Law Legislation: HB 615 (Electronic Notices); SB 322 (Commercial Squatter Removal)

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HB 615 — Electronic Notices Between Landlords and Tenants

Codified as: FL Stat. §83.505 | Effective: 2025

What Changed

Florida law now permits landlords and tenants to exchange legally required notices by email — but only under specific conditions.

Requirements for Electronic Notice to Be Valid

1. Both parties must agree in writing to receive notices electronically 2. The agreement must be documented in a written addendum signed by both parties 3. The addendum must be signed before electronic notices can be used

What Happens Without the Addendum

  • Without a signed written addendum, all notices must still be delivered by traditional methods:
    • - Personal delivery - U.S. mail - Posting (if permitted by statute)
  • Electronic notices sent without the addendum are not legally valid under FL Stat. §83.505

    • Examples of Notices That Can Be Electronic (With Addendum)

  • 3-day notice to pay rent or vacate
  • 7-day notice to cure lease violation
  • 15-day (or 30-day/60-day) notice of non-renewal or termination
  • Any other notice required under FL Stat. Chapter 83

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    SB 322 — Commercial Squatter Removal (2025)

    Purpose: Strengthen property owners' rights to remove illegal occupants from commercial property

    Key Provisions

  • Property owners can file a sheriff complaint for immediate removal of illegal occupants from commercial property
  • Removes the need for a full eviction lawsuit in clear cases of trespass/illegal occupation
  • Increased criminal penalties for squatters occupying commercial property without authorization

> Note: SB 322 applies to commercial property. Residential squatter removal still follows standard FL eviction procedures.

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Exam Tips

> Electronic notice requires mutual written agreement — it is NOT automatic. The opt-in addendum must be signed by both parties before email notices are valid.

| Statement | True or False? | |---|---| | Landlords can send notices by email to all FL tenants automatically | FALSE — written addendum required | | Both parties must agree in writing to use electronic notices | TRUE | | Without the addendum, email notices are still valid | FALSE | | SB 322 allows immediate removal from residential property | FALSE — commercial only | | The electronic notice addendum must be signed before email notices can be used | TRUE |

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Tags: #RealEstate #Florida #Ch8 #LandlordTenant #ElectronicNotices #HB615 #FS83505 #SB322 #Squatter #CommercialProperty #PropertyManagement