Fort Lauderdale, FL Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Fort Lauderdale, FL, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Summary
Fort Lauderdale 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. Landlords must give a 3-day written notice for non-payment (Sec. 83.56) and 30 days' notice to terminate month-to-month tenancies (Sec. 83.57). Self-help evictions are prohibited under Sec. 83.67.
83.425  Preemption. — The regulation of residential tenancies, the landlord-tenant relationship, and all other matters covered under this part are preempted to the state. This section supersedes any local government regulations on matters covered under this part, including, but not limited to, the screening process used by a landlord in approving tenancies; security deposits; rental agreement applications and fees associated with such applications; terms and conditions of rental agreements; the rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant; disclosures concerning the premises, the dwelling unit, the rental agreement, or the rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant; fees charged by the landlord; or notice requirements.
Full Breakdown
Fort Lauderdale has no just-cause eviction ordinance, and after the 2023 Live Local Act (HB 1417, codified at §166.0444) preempted local tenant protections beyond state law, it can't adopt one. Evictions run on the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Chapter 83, Part II: 3-day written notice for non-payment under §83.56, 30 days' notice to end a month-to-month tenancy under §83.57, and no reason required to decline renewal at lease end. What landlords cannot do is take matters into their own hands, self-help evictions such as lockouts and utility shutoffs are prohibited by §83.67, and formal evictions must go through the courts.
Violations & Fines
No local ordinance applies, so there are no city penalties. Landlords who resort to lockouts or utility shutoffs violate the state self-help ban in Fla. Stat. §83.67.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Lauderdale require a reason for eviction?
What eviction protections do Fort Lauderdale renters have?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle just cause eviction.