Florida Statute 125.0103 preempts all local rent control, so Safety Harbor cannot cap rent increases. The only narrow exception requires a declared housing emergency, voter referendum, and a one-year sunset on any controls.
Florida Statutes 125.0103 and 166.043 broadly prohibit cities and counties from enacting any law, ordinance, rule, or measure that controls rents on residential property. Safety Harbor follows this statewide preemption and has no rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. The lone exception lets a local government impose rent controls only after declaring a grave housing emergency, holding a voter referendum, and limiting controls to one year. Even then, seasonal, tourist, second-home, and luxury units remain exempt by statute. Tenants concerned about rent increases must rely on the lease terms and Florida Statute Chapter 83 procedural protections rather than any local cap.
Any local rent cap adopted without the referendum and findings required by Florida Statute 125.0103 would be invalid and unenforceable in court.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle rent control.
See how Safety Harbor's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
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