Starting October 1, Florida will have a new legal tool to combat rental housing fraud.
The new legislation classifies certain forms of fraud used to obtain and take possession of a rental property as a serious crime, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
The measure, approved by the Florida Legislature and signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, establishes a specific criminal offense for those who obtain and take possession of a residential unit through false information or documentation.
What behaviors can constitute a crime?
The law establishes penalties for those who, knowingly and deliberately, use materially false written statements about their identity, forged or fictitious documents, or impersonate another person with the intent to obtain and take possession of a dwelling.
These behaviors may be classified as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Owners will be able to terminate the contract
The legislation also introduces direct consequences for rental contracts when it is determined that the tenant engaged in this type of fraud.
In the cases covered by the new regulation, the owner may resort to the procedure corresponding to irreparable breaches and submit a notice to terminate the lease.
The tenant will have seven days to vacate the premises after receiving the notice.
The measure aims to strengthen the legal tools available to combat the use of false identities, fraudulent documents, or fictitious information to gain access to rental housing.
The new law comes into effect at a time when the cost of housing continues to be a concern for many residents of Florida.
The average rent was around $2,277 per month in June 2026.
The legislation will come into effect on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
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