How Homestead Handles Rental Property Rules: A Practical Guide

Homestead maintains 106 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with rental property rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Homestead falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Just Cause Eviction

Homestead does not have a just cause eviction ordinance. Florida landlord-tenant law (FL Statute Chapter 83) governs evictions. Landlords can decline to renew a lease for any lawful reason. During a lease, eviction requires cause such as nonpayment or lease violations. Florida is a landlord-friendly state with streamlined eviction processes.

Key details: Just Cause: Not required — FL is landlord-friendly. Nonpayment: 3-day notice to pay or vacate. Lease Violation: 7-day notice to cure or quit. Non-Renewal: No reason required with proper notice. Process: Judicial — must file in court.

Self-help eviction by landlords is illegal and carries liability for damages. Tenants facing illegal eviction should contact legal aid. Miami-Dade Legal Aid at (305) 579-5733 assists tenants.

Homestead is more permissive than most cities when it comes to just cause eviction. That said, there are still limits.

Rental Registration

Homestead may require rental property owners to obtain a business tax receipt for rental operations. Miami-Dade County requires rental properties to meet housing code standards. Landlords must comply with the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Properties must pass building and fire safety inspections for multifamily rentals.

Key details: BTR: Business Tax Receipt required. Habitability: Must meet housing code standards. Fire Inspection: Required for 4+ unit buildings. Security Deposit: Separate account, 15-60 day return. Contact: (305) 224-4800 Code Compliance.

Operating rental properties without a BTR carries city fines. Habitability violations can result in rent withholding by tenants. Fire safety violations in multifamily buildings carry fines of $250+. Contact Code Compliance at (305) 224-4800.

Rent Control

Florida law (FL Statute Section 166.043) preempts local governments from enacting rent control or price controls on private residential property. Homestead cannot impose rent caps, rent stabilization, or limits on rent increases. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice at the end of a lease term.

Key details: Rent Control: Preempted by state law. State Law: FL Statute 166.043(2). Rent Increases: No cap — any amount with notice. Notice Period: 15 days monthly / 60 days annual. Exceptions: None — removed 2023.

No violations apply as rent control does not exist. Landlords who raise rent during an active lease without authorization face tenant remedies under FL landlord-tenant law. Contact is not applicable.

The rules around rent control in Homestead lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Homestead gives residents more room on rental property rules. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

All of the above reflects Homestead's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.