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Hillsborough County, FL Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Rent control rules in Hillsborough County, FL, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.

Key Facts

State Preempt
FL §125.0103
Rent Caps
None
2022 Vote
Rejected 59-41%
Notice
15 days M2M

Summary

Rent control is PROHIBITED in Hillsborough County under FL §125.0103 statewide preemption. Hillsborough voters rejected a proposed rent stabilization ordinance in the November 2022 referendum. No caps exist on rent increases in the county; only required notice periods apply.

City-specific rules exist: Plant City, and Temple Terrace have their own rent control rules that differ from Hillsborough County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

125.0103 Ordinances and rules imposing price controls. — (1)(a) Except as hereinafter provided, a county, municipality, or other entity of local government may not adopt or maintain in effect an ordinance or a rule that has the effect of imposing price controls upon a lawful business activity that is not franchised by, owned by, or under contract with, the governmental agency, unless specifically provided by general law. (b) This section does not prevent the enactment by local governments of public service rates otherwise authorized by law, including water, sewer, solid waste, public transportation, taxicab, or port rates; rates for towing of vehicles or vessels from or immobilization of vehicles or vessels on private property; or rates for removal and storage of wrecked or disabled vehicles or vessels from an accident scene or the removal and storage of vehicles or vessels, in the event the owner or operator is incapacitated, unavailable, leaves the procurement of wrecker service to the law enforcement officer at the scene, or otherwise does not consent to the removal of the vehicle or vessel. (2) A municipality, county, or other entity of local government may not adopt or maintain in effect any law, ordinance, rule, or other measure that would have the effect of imposing controls on rents. (3) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, municipalities, counties, or other entities of local government may adopt and maintain in effect any law, ordinance, rule, or other measure which is adopted for the purposes of increasing the supply of affordable housing using land use mechanisms such as inclusionary housing ordinances.

Full Breakdown

FL §125.0103 prohibits county and municipal rent control except in declared housing emergencies with specific state-law-compliant procedures. Hillsborough County attempted to pass a one-year emergency rent stabilization ordinance in 2022, which was struck down by a state court and ultimately rejected by voters on the November 8, 2022 ballot (59% no, 41% yes). No rent caps or limits on annual increases exist. Landlords must give notice of rent increases: 15 days for month-to-month tenancies per FL §83.57. Leases cannot be broken for rent increases. Florida has no statutory limits on security deposits. Tenants have remedies only for housing code violations, retaliation, and discrimination (fair housing).

Violations & Fines

No rent control violations possible - not regulated. Failure to give notice of increase: tenant may not be bound by increase until proper notice. Retaliation for complaints: FL §83.64 damages plus fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord raise my rent by any amount?
Yes. Florida law imposes no limit on rent increases. Only proper notice (15 days for month-to-month) is required.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hillsborough County

All Hillsborough County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida rental property rules overview

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Rent Control in Cities Across Hillsborough County