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Bill > H0619
FL H0619
FL H0619Termination of Rental Agreement by Victim of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, or Stalking
summary
Introduced
02/13/2025
02/13/2025
In Committee
02/26/2025
02/26/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to termination of a rental agreement by a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking; creating s. 83.676, F.S.; providing definitions; prohibiting a landlord from evicting a tenant or terminating a rental agreement because the tenant or the tenant's minor child is a victim of actual or threatened domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking; specifying that a rental agreement may not contain certain provisions; authorizing a victim of such actual or threatened violence or stalking to terminate a rental agreement under certain circumstances; requiring certain documentation and written notice to landlord; providing for liability for rent for both the tenant and the perpetrator, if applicable; specifying that a tenant does not forfeit certain money paid to the landlord for terminating the rental agreement under certain circumstances; requiring a landlord to change the locks of the dwelling unit within a specified time period under certain circumstances; authorizing the tenant to change the locks of the dwelling unit under certain circumstances; prohibiting certain actions by a landlord under certain circumstances; authorizing hb619-00 filing of a civil action and an award of damages, fees, and costs under certain circumstances; prohibiting the waiver of certain provisions; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill creates a new section of Florida law that provides important protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking in rental housing situations. The legislation allows tenants who are victims of such violence to terminate their rental agreement without penalty by providing written notice and documentation to their landlord, such as a protection order, law enforcement report, or verification from a domestic violence center. The bill prohibits landlords from evicting tenants or refusing to rent to them because they are victims of violence, and requires landlords to change locks within 24 hours upon a tenant's written request if the tenant feels unsafe. If a landlord fails to change the locks, the tenant may do so themselves. The bill also ensures that victims do not lose their security deposit or prepaid rent when terminating a lease, and provides that information about the victim's status remains confidential. Tenants who experience violations of these protections can file a civil action and potentially receive $1,000 in punitive damages, along with actual damages and attorney's fees. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, and cannot be waived or modified by any rental agreement, ensuring consistent protection for victims across different rental situations.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died in Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/619 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/619/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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