Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ch. 83, Part II) has no late-fee statute and no cap on late-rent charges. Late fees are governed entirely by the written lease; if the lease is silent, the landlord cannot charge one. Courts will not enforce fees that are punitive rather than a reasonable estimate of damages.
Florida sets no statutory maximum or percentage limit on residential rent late fees and has no dedicated late-fee provision in Ch. 83, Part II. A late fee is enforceable only if it is set out in the rental agreement; absent a lease term, no late fee may be charged. Because excessive charges may be struck down as an unenforceable penalty under general contract law, fees should reflect a reasonable estimate of the landlord's loss. (By contrast, the separate mobile home lot law, § 83.808, treats a late fee of $20 or 20% of monthly rent, whichever is greater, as reasonable, but that does not apply to ordinary residential rentals.) There is likewise no statutory grace period for residential rent.
No specific statutory penalty. A late fee not stated in the lease is unenforceable, and a fee a court finds punitive rather than a reasonable damages estimate may be reduced or voided.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Sarasota, FL
Beekeeping in Sarasota is governed primarily by Florida state law - F.S. §586 (Honeybee Law) preempts most local regulation of beekeeping. Beekeepers must re...
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota does not have a citywide wildlife-feeding ban, but Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules under F.A.C. 68A-4.001 prohibit int...
Sarasota, FL
Florida Statute §373.185 (Florida-Friendly Landscaping Act) preempts HOA and local-government bans on Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL). Sarasota homeowners...
Sarasota, FL
The City of Sarasota observes the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) year-round watering restrictions: two days per week for residential ad...
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota's property maintenance rules require lawns and lots to be maintained free of overgrown vegetation. While the Code does not specify an exact maximum ...
Sarasota, FL
Tree trimming in Sarasota is governed by Zoning Code Sec. VII-309 et seq. and ANSI A300 industry standards. Heavy pruning (more than 25% canopy removal) typi...
See how Sarasota's late fees & grace periods rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.