Rent Control: Dover vs Tampa
How do rent control rules compare between Dover, FL and Tampa, FL?
Dover and Tampa have similar restriction levels.
Dover, FL
Hillsborough County
Rent control is PROHIBITED in Hillsborough County under FL §125.0103 statewide preemption. Hillsborough voters rejected a proposed rent stabilization ordinance in the November 2022 referendum. No caps exist on rent increases in the county; only required notice periods apply.
View full Dover rules →Tampa, FL
Hillsborough County
Tampa 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. Tampa community advocates have called for rent control measures, but the city is barred from enacting them. Tampa adopted a Tenant Bill of Rights with a 60-day notice requirement for large rent increases, but the rent-increase notice rule was preempted by HB 1417.
View full Tampa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dover | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| State Preempt | FL §125.0103 | - |
| Rent Caps | None | No state or local cap |
| 2022 Vote | Rejected 59-41% | - |
| Notice | 15 days M2M | - |
| State Preemption | - | Fla. Stat. Sec. 125.0103 + Sec. 166.0444 |
| Live Local Act | - | SB 102 (2023) bans local rent control |
| Tampa Authority | - | None — cannot adopt rent control |
| Tenant Bill of Rights | - | Rent-increase notice provisions preempted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dover FAQ
Can my landlord raise my rent by any amount?
Yes. Florida law imposes no limit on rent increases. Only proper notice (15 days for month-to-month) is required.
Who enforces this in Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough County code enforcement at (813) 272-5900 handles complaints.
Tampa FAQ
Does Tampa have rent control?
No. Florida Statute Sec. 125.0103 and the 2023 Live Local Act preempt all local rent control. Tampa cannot adopt rent stabilization or caps.
Did Tampa's Tenant Bill of Rights cap rent increases?
No. The Tampa Tenant Bill of Rights required notice for large increases but did not cap rent. The notice provision was preempted by HB 1417 in 2023. Landlords now follow state notice rules only.
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