Bill
Bill > H0107
FL H0107
FL H0107Termination of Rental Agreement by Victim of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, or Stalking
summary
Introduced
10/07/2025
10/07/2025
In Committee
10/14/2025
10/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 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.; defining terms; prohibiting a landlord from terminating a rental agreement or evicting a tenant 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; providing that certain information provided to a landlord from a tenant or a prospective hb107-00 tenant is confidential; prohibiting certain actions by a landlord under certain circumstances; authorizing 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 Florida law that provides legal protections for tenants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking by allowing them to terminate their rental agreements without penalty. The law defines these types of violence and establishes that a landlord cannot evict or penalize a tenant for being a victim of such violence. Victims can terminate their rental agreement by providing written notice and documentation such as protective orders, law enforcement reports, or verification from domestic violence centers. The bill requires landlords to change locks within 24 hours if requested by a victim and prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to or discriminating against victims of violence. The law also mandates that all information provided by victims remains confidential and allows victims to file civil actions against landlords who violate these provisions, with potential damages of $1,000 plus legal costs. Tenants who terminate their lease under these circumstances may still be responsible for a prorated portion of rent but will not forfeit their security deposit. The law is designed to provide additional legal protections and housing stability for survivors of violence, recognizing the unique challenges they face in maintaining safe housing. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (6)
Johanna López (D)*,
Jose Alvarez (D),
Daryl Campbell (D),
Rita Harris (D),
Susan Plasencia (R),
Susan L. Valdés (R),
Last Action
1st Reading (Original Filed Version) (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/107 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/107/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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