Florida Habitability and Repair Standards

Under § 83.51(1), a landlord must comply with applicable codes or, absent codes, maintain 'roofs, windows, doors, floors, steps, porches, exterior walls, foundations, and all other structural components in good repair' plus plumbing in reasonable working condition. For dwellings other than single-family homes and duplexes, § 83.51(2) adds reasonable pest extermination, working locks, clean common areas, garbage removal, and 'functioning facilities for heat during winter, running water, and hot water.' To enforce, a tenant must deliver written notice under § 83.56(1) specifying the noncompliance; if the landlord does not cure within 7 days and the unit is untenantable, the tenant may vacate without further rent liability. Rent may be withheld only after the same 7-day written notice.

No specific statutory penalty. If the landlord fails to maintain the premises and the unit becomes untenantable after a 7-day written notice, the tenant may terminate and owe no rent during the uninhabitable period, or may withhold rent; a court may also award damages.