Bill > H1355

This bill establishes a new section in Florida Statutes concerning rent reporting to credit reporting agencies, which are entities like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion that compile and share consumer credit information. It defines a "rent reporting service" as a third-party that handles this information. Landlords are authorized to report a tenant's rent payment history to these agencies, either directly or through a rent reporting service, but only with the tenant's explicit written consent obtained at the time of lease signing or renewal. This consent form must detail the potential benefits and risks, including the possibility of negative reporting for late payments, and must inform the tenant that participation is voluntary and they can opt out at any time without penalty. Landlords must provide at least 30 days' written notice before starting or stopping rent reporting for a tenant. Landlords may charge a fee for this service, capped at $10 per month or the actual cost, but cannot report the fee payment or non-payment, terminate a lease for non-payment of the fee, or deduct the fee from a tenant's deposit or rent. If the fee is unpaid for 30 days, the landlord can stop reporting. Tenants who opt out or fail to pay the fee cannot re-enroll in rent reporting for at least six months. Crucially, landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants, such as by terminating leases or increasing rent, for refusing, declining, or opting out of rent reporting. This provision generally applies to landlords of residential buildings with more than 15 units, with exceptions for smaller landlords who are corporations, real estate investment trusts, or limited liability companies with corporate members. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1355