Winter Haven does not currently operate a city-wide rental registration program for traditional long-term rentals. All rentals must meet the Minimum Property Maintenance Standards (Ord. O-10-15) including smoke/CO alarms, locks, weather-tight construction, and habitable conditions; landlords must also comply with Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (FS Ch. 83).
Long-term rentals (30+ days) in Winter Haven are not subject to a city-specific registration ordinance. Landlord-tenant relations are governed by the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, FS §83.40 to §83.683 - including security deposit handling (§83.49), eviction procedures (§83.56-§83.62), and habitability standards (§83.51). MPMS Sec. 502 to 506 set minimum plumbing facilities; Sec. 602 requires heating capable of maintaining 68°F October 1 - March 30; Sec. 704 requires smoke alarms; Sec. 305 requires interior surfaces in good repair. Florida HB 1417 (2023, FS §83.425) preempted most local landlord-tenant ordinances. Code Compliance investigates habitability complaints; tenants must give 7-days written notice to landlord before withholding rent under FS §83.56.
Habitability violations: MPMS Code Compliance citations + Special Magistrate fines up to $250/day under FS Ch. 162. Landlord violations of FS Ch. 83 can result in 1-3x security deposit damages and attorney's fees; tenant retaliation by landlord is prohibited under FS §83.64.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Winter Haven, FL
Most residential wood or chain-link fences in Winter Haven do not require a building permit if they stay within Sec. 21-103 height limits (typically 4 ft fro...
Winter Haven, FL
Winter Haven Minimum Property Maintenance Standards Sec. 704.2 (Ord. O-10-15) requires every dwelling unit to have a listed, approved smoke alarm installed a...
Winter Haven, FL
Backyard recreational fire pits in Winter Haven are governed by the Florida Fire Prevention Code (adopted via Code Chapter 6) and NFPA 1, which require fire ...
Winter Haven, FL
Outdoor burning of yard waste in Winter Haven is regulated by Code Chapter 6 (Fire Prevention and Protection), the Florida Fire Prevention Code, and Florida ...
Winter Haven, FL
Winter Haven Code Chapter 6 (Fire Prevention and Protection) adopts the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which incorporates Florida Statute Chapter 791 regulati...
Winter Haven, FL
Tree removal on private property in Winter Haven is regulated by Chapter 21 ULDC tree-protection provisions and Florida Statute §163.045 which preempts most ...
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