Sanford, FL Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

Sanford's adopted Property Maintenance Code, at City Code Sections 18-101 and 18-102, sets separate security standards for units that are rented, leased or let. Under Section 304.18.1, the door into a rented dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit must carry a deadbolt lock that can be opened from the egress side without a key, special knowledge or effort, and the bolt must throw at least 1 inch; the lock must be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and kept in good working order, and a sliding bolt does not count as a deadbolt under this section.

The same article extends the security duty to windows and hatchways in rental units: Section 304.18.2 requires a window sash locking device on any operable window within six feet of ground level that gives access to the unit, and Section 304.18.3 requires a securing device on any basement hatchway that gives access to the unit. These sit under the broader Section 304.18 duty that doors, windows and hatchways for dwelling, rooming or housekeeping units be equipped with devices that give occupants and their property security.

A code official who finds a rental unit without a compliant deadbolt can issue a notice of violation and prosecute the landlord through Chapter 26 code enforcement, per the Section 106.2 enforcement path.