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Bill > S0142
FL S0142
FL S0142Termination of a Rental Agreement by a Victim of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, or Stalking
summary
Introduced
10/08/2025
10/08/2025
In Committee
10/21/2025
10/21/2025
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 be provided to the 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 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 law that provides 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, in most cases, documentation verifying their victim status. The bill defines these types of violence and establishes that landlords cannot evict or discriminate against tenants based on their status as a victim. If a victim wishes to remain in their dwelling, the landlord must change the locks within 24 hours of a written request, and the tenant can change the locks themselves if the landlord fails to do so. The law also mandates that all information provided by the victim remains confidential and cannot be shared without specific consent or legal requirements. Tenants who are victims are protected from forfeiting their security deposits or advance rent, and they may only be liable for prorated rent under certain circumstances. The bill allows victims to file civil actions against landlords who violate these protections, with potential damages of $1,000 plus court costs and attorney fees. Importantly, the provisions of this law cannot be waived or modified by a rental agreement, ensuring consistent protection for victims across different housing situations.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced (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/2026/142 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/142/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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