Florida Rent Increase Laws (2025)

Renting a home or apartment in the Sun Shine State, Florida can offer flexibility and convenience. Still, if you've been surprised by a sudden rent hike, you might wonder what the legal boundaries are. Florida rent increase laws are essential in protecting landlords and tenants, ensuring fairness in handling rent adjustments.

In this blog, we'll break down everything you need to know about rent increase laws in Florida, including what percentage a landlord can raise rent in Florida, how often rent can be increased, and whether landlords can raise rent without notice. To navigate the rental market with confidence in 2025, read on.

What Are the Florida Rent Increase Laws in 2025?

Like many other states, Florida does not impose strict statewide rent control laws. This means there are no specific caps on how much a landlord can increase rent. However, landlords must still follow particular rent increase notices and timing rules.

Here are the key highlights of Florida rent increase laws:

• No Rent Control: Florida does not enforce rent control, so landlords have the freedom to increase rent as they see fit.

• Notice Requirements: Landlords must give proper written notice before increasing rent (we'll dive into this below).
  

• Lease Agreements Matter: If you have a lease, your rent cannot be raised until the lease expires unless otherwise specified in the lease agreement.

• Market-Driven Pricing: Rent increases are generally determined by market conditions, meaning landlords can adjust rent based on local demand.

What Percentage Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Florida?

The cost of rent is generally high across many locations in the United States, and specific areas of Florida are known for their particularly high living expenses.

Florida has no legal limit or cap on the percentage by which a landlord can raise rent. This means a landlord can theoretically increase rent by any amount, provided they comply with notice requirements and the terms of the lease.

However, most landlords keep rent increases within reasonable limits to avoid losing tenants. According to data from Rent.com, the average rent in Florida increased by 6.5% in 2023, reflecting the state's growing population and housing demand. 

While this percentage can vary widely depending on location, tenants should always review their lease agreements and communicate with landlords to understand potential increases.

Can a Landlord Raise Rent Without Notice in Florida?

No, landlords cannot raise rent without proper notice in Florida. State law requires landlords to submit written notice of any rent increase, and the timing of this notice depends on the type of rental agreement:

Month-to-Month Tenancies: Landlords must give at least 15 days written notice before increasing rent for tenants renting month-to-month.

Fixed-Term Leases: Rent increases for tenants with a fixed-term lease (e.g., 12 months) cannot occur until the lease expires unless the lease agreement includes explicit terms for mid-lease rent adjustments.

Failing to provide proper notice of a rent increase may give tenants the legal right to refuse payment of the increased amount.

How Often Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Florida?

The frequency of rent increases is based on the lease agreement:

• Fixed-Term Leases: Landlords can only raise rent at the end of the lease term unless the lease allows for increases during the term.

• Month-to-Month Agreements: Landlords can raise rent as often as they like, provided they give proper notice for each increase.

While there is no legal limit on how often landlords can raise rent for month-to-month tenants, excessive or frequent increases may drive tenants away, so most landlords aim to strike a balance.

Rent Increase Notice in Florida

The rent increase notice in Florida is a written document that informs tenants of a rent adjustment. It must include:

• The new rental amount.

• The date when the increase will take effect.

• Any other relevant details, such as payment instructions.

For notice requirements, tenants with month-to-month agreements are generally required to provide at least 15 days' notice before the start of the next rental period. On the other hand, for fixed-term leases, notice must be given prior to the lease renewal, typically within 30 to 60 days, depending on the terms outlined in the lease agreement.

Tenants should note that verbal notice is not sufficient. Landlords must provide written notice, which can be delivered in person, via mail, or electronically if the lease allows.

Why Are Rents Increasing in Florida?

Rents in Florida have been climbing steadily in recent years, leaving residents wondering what's behind these sharp increases. Several key factors contribute to this trend, creating a perfect storm of rising housing costs across the state.

Population Growth

Florida has become one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., attracting new residents from all over the country and beyond. People are drawn to Florida for its sunny weather, growing job market, and tax benefits, such as no state income tax. 

The steady influx of newcomers has significantly boosted the demand for housing, putting upward pressure on rental prices. Cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando are especially popular, experiencing unprecedented growth in both population and housing needs.

Increased Housing Demand

As the population grows, the demand for housing—both short-term rentals and long-term leases—has surged. This demand isn't just limited to major urban centers; suburban and rural areas are also experiencing a spillover effect as renters look for more affordable options. Unfortunately, the higher demand often outpaces the supply, creating a competitive rental market where landlords can charge premium rates.

Inflation and Rising Costs

Inflation plays a significant role in driving rent increases. Property owners face rising costs for maintenance, repairs, property taxes, and insurance—expenses that are often passed on to tenants as higher rents. 

Additionally, construction costs for new housing developments have risen due to increased prices for materials and labor, further limiting the supply of affordable rentals.

Shortage of Affordable Housing

Another major issue in Florida is a persistent lack of affordable housing. Many regions struggle to meet the growing need for budget-friendly rental units. Developers often prioritize luxury developments due to their higher profitability, leaving fewer options for middle—and lower-income renters. 

This shortage disproportionately affects working-class families and individuals, forcing them to compete for limited affordable housing options, ultimately driving higher prices.

In fact, according to a 2024 report by Apartment List, Florida rents have risen by 5% annually on average over the past five years, with cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando seeing the sharpest increases.

The above-mentioned factors combined create a challenging environment for renters in Florida. As population growth, rising costs, and housing shortages continue to fuel rent hikes, many residents feel the strain on their budgets and search for solutions to cope with the rising costs.

What Can Tenants Do About Rent Increases?

If you're a tenant facing a rent increase, here are some steps you can take:

When facing a rent increase, the first step is to review your lease agreement to ensure the increase complies with its terms. If the rise seems unreasonable, consider negotiating with your landlord to lower the amount or requesting an extension before the new rate takes effect. 

It's also helpful to compare market rates by researching rental prices in your area to determine if the increase aligns with current trends. If you suspect the increase violates Florida rent increase laws, consult a legal professional or contact a tenant advocacy group for guidance.

Tips for Landlords When Increasing Rent

Raising rent is often necessary for landlords to cover rising costs, but it's important to approach it strategically to maintain positive relationships with tenants. Here are some tips:

• Be Transparent: Explain the reasons for the increase, including rising property taxes or maintenance costs.

• Give Plenty of Notice: Providing more notice than legally required shows consideration for your tenants.

• Research the Market: Stay competitive by ensuring your rent aligns with similar properties.

• Focus on Retention: Long-term tenants are valuable, so consider smaller, more gradual increases to retain reliable renters.

Florida Rent Increase Laws: Key Takeaways

In summary, Florida rent increase laws in 2025 allow landlords to raise rent without any legal cap on the amount, provided they adhere to notice requirements. 

For month-to-month agreements, landlords must give at least 15 days' written notice of a rent increase, while rent increases for fixed-term leases can only occur at the end of the lease unless otherwise specified in the agreement. 

Additionally, landlords cannot raise rent without proper notice. Understanding these laws helps both tenants and landlords avoid disputes and maintain positive rental relationships.

Looking for Expert Guidance on Renting or Leasing in Florida?

Whether you're a tenant looking for a new rental or a landlord navigating Florida's rental laws, Mosaic Services is here to help! We specialize in connecting tenants and landlords while ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Contact Mosaic Services today to learn more about how we can assist you with leasing, renting, or understanding Florida's complex rental market. Let us help you make confident, informed decisions about your housing needs! 

Book a free consultation now!

Once you understand the nuances of Florida rent increase laws, you can save time, money, and stress. As a tenant or landlord, staying informed is your best tool for navigating the dynamic Florida rental market in 2025.