Palm Beach County, FL Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Hot water minimum
- 110°F at every fixture
- Winter heat minimum
- 65°F in habitable rooms
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
- Enforcement
- Special magistrate, code citations
Summary
Palm Beach County's Property Maintenance Code requires every rental dwelling unit to have working plumbing, hot water, adequate heat, and safe electrical service, enforced by code enforcement in unincorporated areas.
Every dwelling unit shall contain its own bathtub or shower, lavatory, water closet and kitchen sink which shall be maintained in a sanitary, safe working condition.
Full Breakdown
The county's Housing Code, Chapter 14, requires every dwelling unit to have its own bathtub or shower, lavatory, water closet, and kitchen sink kept in sanitary, safe working condition, with hot water available at 110°F at every fixture. Heating facilities must maintain 65°F in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms. Electrical systems must be free of hazards, with at least two receptacle outlets in every habitable space. It is unlawful for an owner to let a unit that fails these standards. This code governs unincorporated Palm Beach County only. West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Jupiter enforce their own separate housing codes.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by a special magistrate under F.S. § 162.01, the Code Enforcement Director, ULDC Article 10, or the Chapter 8.5 Citation System; letting a noncompliant unit is itself unlawful under § 14-4(a).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover a rental in Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?
What temperature must a rental's heater reach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida rental property rules overview
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