Miami-Dade County, FL Public Health Rules: Bed-Bug Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Habitability statute
- FL §83.51
- Tenant notice
- 7 days written
- Hotels regulator
- Florida DBPR
- Treatment
- Licensed PCO required
Summary
Florida lacks a specific bed bug statute, but landlords must maintain habitable rental units under FL §83.51. Miami-Dade Code Compliance enforces minimum housing standards under Chapter 17. Tenants can demand treatment in writing and withhold rent only after statutory notice procedures.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, in addition to the requirements of subsection (1), the landlord of a dwelling unit other than a single-family home or duplex shall, at all times during the tenancy, make reasonable provisions for: 1. The extermination of rats, mice, roaches, ants, wood-destroying organisms, and bedbugs. When vacation of the premises is required for such extermination, the landlord is not liable for damages but shall abate the rent. The tenant must temporarily vacate the premises for a period of time not to exceed 4 days, on 7 days' written notice, if necessary, for extermination pursuant to this subparagraph.
Full Breakdown
Under Florida Residential Landlord-Tenant Act §83.51, landlords must keep rentals in good repair and pest-free at the start of tenancy and during the term, including bed bugs in multi-unit buildings where the source is not solely the tenant. Tenants must give written 7-day notice before withholding rent. Miami-Dade Chapter 17 minimum housing code allows Code Compliance to inspect and order pest treatment in rentals. Treatment typically requires licensed PCO heat or chemical service across affected and adjacent units, since bed bugs migrate through walls. Hotel infestations are reportable to DBPR and can trigger room closures.
Violations & Fines
Landlords ignoring written notice can face Code Compliance citations, tenant rent withholding, constructive eviction claims, and DBPR action against hotel licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord blame me for bed bugs?
Can I withhold rent for an untreated infestation?
Sources & Official References
- [1]FL §83.51
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida public health rules overview
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