Just Cause Eviction: Dunedin vs St. Petersburg
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Dunedin, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Dunedin and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Dunedin has no just-cause eviction ordinance. Evictions follow Florida Statute Chapter 83 Part II, which lists nonpayment, lease violations, and end-of-term as grounds and is generally preemptive of local rules.
View full Dunedin rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg 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. The city encourages safe housing and protects against retaliatory rent hikes for habitability complaints under state law. Non-payment notice is 3 days (Sec. 83.56); month-to-month termination requires 30 days (Sec. 83.57).
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dunedin | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | FS Chapter 83, Part II | - |
| Nonpayment notice | 3 days (FS 83.56) | - |
| Lease violation notice | 7 days to cure | - |
| Local just-cause | None in Dunedin | - |
| Self-help penalty | Three months' rent (FS 83.67) | - |
| 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) |
| Retaliation | - | Prohibited under Sec. 83.64 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dunedin FAQ
Does Dunedin have just-cause eviction protections?
No. Dunedin follows Florida Statute Chapter 83. Landlords may evict for nonpayment, lease violation, or non-renewal, with statutory notice. The city has not adopted local just-cause rules.
Can my landlord refuse to renew my lease without giving a reason?
Yes. Under FS 83.57, a landlord may decline to renew a fixed-term lease at expiration without stating cause, provided the proper written notice is given within statutory deadlines.
What if my landlord locks me out?
Lockouts and utility shut-offs are illegal under FS 83.67. Tenants can sue for actual damages plus a civil penalty equal to three months' rent and reasonable attorney fees.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Does St. Petersburg require a reason for eviction?
No. St. Petersburg has no just-cause eviction ordinance. At lease end, a landlord may decline to renew without stating a reason.
What eviction protections do St. Petersburg renters have?
State law protects against self-help evictions (Sec. 83.67), retaliation (Sec. 83.64), and habitability violations. Eviction must proceed through Pinellas County Court.
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