Winter Park's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Winter Park, 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

Winter Park follows Florida Statutes Chapter 83 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) for evictions. Florida does not require just-cause for termination of month-to-month tenancies; 15 days notice suffices. No local just-cause ordinance exists in Winter Park.

Key details: Just Cause: Not required. Notice: 15 days month-to-month. State Law: FL §83.57. Venue: Orange County Courts.

Illegal self-help evictions (lockouts, utility shutoffs) prohibited under FL §83.67 with damages of 3 months rent plus actual damages.

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

Rental Registration

Winter Park requires a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for all rental properties operating within the city. Short-term rentals require additional registration. Annual renewal required through the Finance Department.

Key details: Permit: Business Tax Receipt required. Renewal: Annual. Code: Chapter 102. State: DBPR license for STR.

Operating without BTR subject to fines up to 250 dollars per day and potential code enforcement liens.

Rent Control

Winter Park cannot impose rent control. FL Statute §125.0103(2) flatly preempts local rent regulation — the 2023 Live Local Act deleted the old housing-emergency exception, leaving no path to a local rent cap.

Key details: State Law: FL §125.0103(2) preemption. Local Control: Prohibited. Tenant Law: FL §83 Part II. Orange County: 2022 measure blocked by courts.

Not applicable - rent control illegal under FL state law. Landlord/tenant disputes handled in Orange County Court per FL §83.

Compared to other cities, Winter Park takes a harder line on rent control. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Winter Park'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 Winter Park is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Winter Park's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.