Ocoee's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Ocoee, Florida, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Just Cause Eviction

Ocoee does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Landlord-tenant relations are governed by the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (FL Statute Chapter 83, Part II), which preempts most local tenant protection measures in Florida.

Key details: Just Cause: Not required. State Law: FL Chapter 83 Part II. Notice (Month-to-Month): 30 days. Preemption: State preempts local.

Improper self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) is prohibited under FL §83.67 and exposes landlords to damages of 3 months rent plus actual damages per violation.

The rules around just cause eviction in Ocoee lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Rental Registration

Ocoee requires a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for rental property operators under City Code Chapter 22. Short-term rentals must also obtain a separate STR registration consistent with FL §509.032 amendments.

Key details: BTR Required: Yes, annual. Authority: City Code Chapter 22. STR License: FL DBPR plus city BTR. Inspections: Complaint-based.

Operating without a BTR: citations issued by Code Enforcement with fines up to 250 dollars per day until registered. Repeat violators may be referred to the Special Magistrate.

Rent Control

Ocoee has no rent control. FL §125.0103(2) flatly preempts rent control statewide — the 2023 Live Local Act removed the old emergency exception. Landlord-tenant relations governed by FL §83 Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Key details: Rent Control: None. State Preempt: FL §125.0103(2). Tenant Law: FL §83. Exceptions: None — removed 2023. Increases: Lease-limited only.

No local rent control to violate. Landlord retaliation for tenant complaints prohibited under FL §83.64. Illegal lockouts or utility shutoffs subject to civil damages.

Ocoee is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rent control. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Ocoee 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.

Keep in mind that Ocoee can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.