Evictions are rising sharply in Central Florida, leaving landlords caught between protecting investments and supporting tenants. With the right approach, eviction doesn’t have to be the first option.
At Re/Max 200 Realty, we guide landlords with proven strategies to navigate these challenges. Continue reading to see how you can respond effectively to today’s eviction trends.
Key Takeaways
- Eviction filings remain nearly double pre-pandemic levels, driven by rising rents and housing shortages.
- Clear rental agreements, legal compliance, and open communication reduce disputes.
- Landlords can prevent eviction risks through rent payment plans, mediation, and community housing resources.
- Re/Max 200 Realty helps landlords protect investments while supporting tenant stability.
Why Evictions Are Rising
Several pressures explain today’s higher eviction filings:
Economic Strains: Rents outpace wages, while taxes, insurance, and upkeep rise. This keeps demand for every rental unit high and leaves little room for tenants to pay rent, and some tenants may be behind on rent for half the time during a rental period or longer.
Pandemic Aftershocks: When moratoriums ended, backlogs formed. Federal rental aid also closed in 2022, and only limited local laws offered support.
Housing Shortages: Central Florida is one of the most cost-burdened rental markets. Even small financial setbacks can push families into eviction.
Building Strong Leases
A clear, written rental agreement or lease agreement creates structure. It should spell out monthly rent, deposits, and responsibilities while following Florida law and federal fair housing laws.
Defined rules also guide what happens when a tenant’s lease expires. This clarity strengthens the landlord and tenant relationship and avoids disputes later. A security deposit clause must be specific, since landlords must either return or impose a claim on deposit money within statutory deadlines.
Legal Responsibilities
Florida’s Landlord-Tenant Act outlines a landlord’s obligations. Landlords must provide safe, livable housing that meets health codes and applicable building standards. If a landlord fails to supply agreed-upon services, tenants have protections.
For example, if a tenant notifies the landlord of an issue and gives time to repair, but the landlord does not act, the tenant may withhold rent or deduct part of the rent owed under FS §83.201. To use this remedy, the renter must provide a tenant-written notice specifying the issue.
Compliance also requires giving proper notice before entering a dwelling unit or leased premises. If a tenant unreasonably withholds consent, the landlord’s agent may request further notice.
Recent changes increased the notice period to 30 days (excluding legal holidays) for month-to-month rentals. Email delivery of termination notices will be allowed in 2025.
Preventing Evictions
Communication: Providing early reminders with contact information (such as a phone number and address) and offering short extensions or flexible schedules helps tenants stay on top of rent and periodic payments.
Community support: Nonprofits, mediation, and legal aid expand tenant protections and can prevent conflict.
Good practices: Careful screening of a prospective tenant, clearly written leases, and consistent maintenance protect both the rental property and the rented premises. A Florida residential landlord who stays proactive strengthens every landlord-tenant relationship.
The Eviction Process
Most landlords terminate the lease if prevention fails, and eviction must follow legal steps:
- Serve a three-day notice for unpaid rent.
- File an eviction lawsuit in the county court if unresolved. Tenants may respond with a tenant’s lease defense, provide a written notice, and deposit funds in the court registry.
- A judge issues a court order once the court rules. If a tenant refuses to comply, only the sheriff can remove them.
Cases may involve attorney fees, court costs, or a landlord’s attorney. Under §83.58, if a tenant declines to surrender possession after the rental period ends, the landlord may seek double rent for the entire period the tenant holds over without the landlord’s permission.
A landlord’s claim may also include damages to the leased property or delinquent rent. However, even if a tenant informs of an intended absence or if the landlord’s intent is to recover possession, the tenancy cannot be terminated, effective immediately. Florida statutes require reasonable provisions and reasonable notice before removal.
For a more detailed discussion of the process, read: Orlando Tenant Eviction 101: Tips from a Professional Property Manager.
Balancing Stability
Managing residential real property or other properties means balancing profit with obligations. A landlord may need to enforce rules, but must also protect renters. That balance defines modern property management.
Re/Max 200 Realty helps landlords stay compliant, reduce risks, and maintain tenant trust. Ready to safeguard your investments? Contact us today for expert support!
FAQs
1. Why are evictions so high in Central Florida?
Rents rise while wages stagnate, and aid ended. Housing shortages leave tenants vulnerable.
2. How much notice must Florida landlords give?
Thirty days’ landlord’s notice (excluding legal holidays) is required for month-to-month leases.
3. How can landlords avoid eviction?
Act early with reminders or mediation. Local programs and legal aid can help protect tenants.
4. What is the eviction process for delinquent rent?
Landlords serve a three-day notice, file an eviction lawsuit, and await a court verdict. Only the sheriff can require tenants to vacate the premises.
