Bill > S1626

This bill establishes a new Florida statute, Section 83.684, that allows landlords to report a tenant's rent payment history to credit reporting agencies, which are companies like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion that compile consumer credit information. This reporting must be done through a rent reporting service, a third-party that handles this process, or directly by the landlord if they comply with all relevant regulations. Before reporting, landlords must obtain written consent from tenants, clearly explaining the potential benefits and risks, including the possibility of negative reporting if rent is late. Tenants must be informed that their consent is voluntary and that they can opt out at any time without penalty. Landlords are also required to provide at least 30 days' written notice before starting or stopping rent reporting. Landlords may charge a fee for this service, capped at the actual cost or $10 per month, but they cannot report the payment or nonpayment of this fee to credit agencies, terminate a lease for non-payment of the fee, or deduct the fee from a tenant's deposit or rent. If a tenant opts out or fails to pay the fee, they 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, if a tenant refuses, declines, or opts out of rent reporting. This law generally applies to residential buildings with more than 15 units, with exceptions for smaller buildings owned by certain types of entities like corporations or real estate investment trusts. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1626