Rental Property Rules in Orlando, FL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Orlando or are thinking about moving there, rental property rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Orlando has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Repairs & Habitability

Orlando's Property Maintenance Code bars renting out any dwelling unit that lacks a working kitchen sink, lavatory, tub or shower, and water closet connected to hot and cold water. City Code § 14.10 also mandates cook stove and refrigeration space, and § 14.02 requires 68°F heat year-round in every habitable room.

Key details: Minimum heat requirement: 68°F in all habitable rooms, year-round. Required plumbing fixtures: Sink, lavatory, tub/shower, water closet. Minimum bathroom size: 30 sq. ft., no dimension under 4 ft.. Kitchen equipment: Cook stove + mechanical refrigeration. Major violation deadline: 45 days to correct after notice.

Letting a dwelling unit for occupancy without the required sanitary facilities, hot and cold water, kitchen equipment, smoke detector, or year-round 68°F heating capability is a Property Maintenance Code violation prosecuted under Chapter 5 of the Orlando City Code (Code Enforcement). Section 14.03(G) separately bars any owner or operator from letting a dwelling unit that 'contains major violations as defined in this Code,' and unresolved major violations must be corrected within 45 days of notice under § 14.06.

Rent Control

Orlando has no rent control ordinance. Florida preempts all local rent control under Fla. Stat. Sec. 125.0103, and the 2023 Live Local Act (SB 102) eliminated the housing-emergency exception. Orange County's 2022 attempt to enact a rent control ordinance was rejected by voters and later mooted by state preemption; courts also threw out the underlying authority. HB 1417 (Fla. Stat. Sec. 166.0444) further preempted local tenant-protection ordinances. Orlando cannot adopt rent stabilization, rent caps, or any local limit on rent increases.

Key details: State Preemption: Fla. Stat. Sec. 125.0103 + Sec. 166.0444. Live Local Act: SB 102 (2023) bans local rent control. Orlando Authority: None: cannot adopt rent control. 2022 Orange County Attempt: Rejected by voters and preempted. Rent Caps: No state or local cap.

There is no local rent-control rule to enforce or violate: state law strips Orlando of that authority. Disputes over rent increases or notice are civil matters under Florida landlord-tenant law.

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

The Bottom Line

Orlando's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Orlando is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Orlando's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.