Broward County, FL Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration fee
- $75 annual fee per rental unit
- Geographic scope
- Unincorporated Broward (BMSD) only
- Hot water minimum
- At least 120°F required
- Enforcement path
- Hearing officer, Chapter 8½ liens
Summary
Landlords in unincorporated Broward must register rental units and meet minimum habitability standards, working plumbing, hot water, sound structure, under the county's BMSD Landlord Registration and Minimum Standards Program before leasing to a tenant.
(a) No person shall let to another for occupancy any residential rental unit for the purpose of living, sleeping, cooking, or eating therein, that does not comply with the minimum standards and requirements established hereunder. ... Each residential rental unit shall have not less than the following: a. A flush water closet, lavatory basin, and a bathtub or shower; b. An approved source of running water suitable for human consumption; c. An approved type of kitchen sink; and d. Adequate receptacles for the storage of garbage, trash, refuse, and rubbish.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward County's Landlord Registration, Minimum Standards, and Residential Rental Property Inspections Program (Sec. 39-420 through 39-430) applies only within the Broward Municipal Services District: the county's unincorporated area, not Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs or the county's other 27 cities. Before leasing a unit, an owner must obtain a $75 annual Registration from the Housing and Urban Planning Division. Registered units must meet Sec. 39-425's minimum standards: a working flush toilet, lavatory, tub or shower, hot water of at least 120°F, an approved kitchen sink, and structurally sound, weathertight, rodent-proof walls, roofs and floors. The Division inspects on complaint and enforces through a hearing officer under Chapter 8½.
Violations & Fines
Leasing an unregistered unit or failing minimum standards draws a code enforcement notice of violation, a hearing before a county hearing officer, and fines plus liens on the property for uncorrected repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply if I rent a house in Fort Lauderdale?
What happens if I don't register my rental unit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
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