Landlords in Florida have a legal duty to maintain a safe and habitable rental property. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs to major systems (such as plumbing, electrical, or heating) or to address issues that make the unit unlivable (such as a severe pest infestation), the tenant may have grounds to terminate the lease.

The first official step in any Florida eviction is to provide the tenant with a formal written notice. The type of notice depends on the reason for the eviction. Using the wrong form or delivering it improperly can invalidate the entire process.

Tip: If an applicant is strong but new to the workforce, consider a co-signer or a higher security deposit if allowed by local law.