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

If you live in Tallahassee 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. Tallahassee has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Just Cause Eviction

Tallahassee does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Evictions are governed by the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. Ch. 83, Part II). The 2023 Live Local Act (HB 1417, codified at Fla. Stat. Sec. 166.0444) preempted local tenant-protection ordinances exceeding state law. Landlords must give a 3-day written notice for non-payment (Sec. 83.56) and 30 days' notice to terminate month-to-month tenancies (Sec. 83.57). Self-help evictions are prohibited under Sec. 83.67.

Key details: Just Cause: No local just-cause eviction law. State Preemption: Fla. Stat. Sec. 166.0444 (Live Local Act). Non-Payment Notice: 3-day written notice (Sec. 83.56). Month-to-Month Notice: 30 days (Sec. 83.57). Self-Help: Prohibited under Sec. 83.67.

No local ordinance exists to violate. Landlords who bypass state notice requirements or attempt lockouts, utility shutoffs or other self-help evictions face liability under Fla. Stat. Ch. 83.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Tallahassee gives residents more flexibility on just cause eviction.

Rent Control

Tallahassee 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. HB 1417 (Fla. Stat. Sec. 166.0444) further preempted local tenant-protection ordinances. Tallahassee cannot adopt rent stabilization, rent caps, or any local limit on rent increases. Landlords set rent and increases by lease contract subject only to state notice rules.

Key details: State Preemption: Fla. Stat. Sec. 125.0103 + Sec. 166.0444. Live Local Act: SB 102 (2023) bans local rent control. Tallahassee Authority: None — cannot adopt rent control. Notice for Rent Increases: Per lease; 30 days for month-to-month. Rent Caps: No state or local cap.

There is no local rent-control rule for landlords to violate. Rent increases are limited only by the lease and state notice requirements, such as 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Tallahassee gives residents more room on rental property rules. 2 of the 2 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.

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