Florida Statewide Rule
Florida Landlord Entry Notice Requirements
Key Facts
- Repair notice
- At least 24 hours (§ 83.53)
- Permitted hours for repairs
- 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Emergency entry
- Allowed without notice
- Preservation of premises
- May enter at any time
Summary
Under Fla. Stat. § 83.53, a Florida landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice to enter for repairs and may enter only at reasonable times, defined as between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. No notice is required in an emergency or to preserve the premises, and access may not be used to harass the tenant.
F.S. 83.53 83.53 Landlord’s access to dwelling unit. — (1) The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter the dwelling unit from time to time in order to inspect the premises; make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements; supply agreed services; or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors. (2) The landlord may enter the dwelling unit at any time for the protection or preservation of the premises. The landlord may enter the dwelling unit upon reasonable notice to the tenant and at a reasonable time for the purpose of repair of the premises. “Reasonable notice” for the purpose of repair is notice given at least 24 hours prior to the entry, and reasonable time for the purpose of repair shall be between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The landlord may enter the dwelling unit when necessary for the further purposes set forth in subsection (1) under any of the following circumstances: (a) With the consent of the tenant; (b) In case of emergency; (c) When the tenant unreasonably withholds consent; or (d) If the tenant is absent from the premises for a period of time equal to one-half the time for periodic rental payments. If the rent is current and the tenant notifies the landlord of an intended absence, then the landlord may enter only with the consent of the tenant or for the protection or preservation of the premises.
Full Breakdown
Fla. Stat. § 83.53 lets a landlord enter to inspect, make repairs, supply agreed services, or show the unit to prospective buyers or tenants. For repairs, the statute requires 'notice given at least 24 hours prior to the entry' and entry only 'between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.' A landlord may also enter with consent, in an emergency, when the tenant unreasonably withholds consent, or when the tenant is absent for a period equal to half the rent-payment cycle. The landlord 'may enter the dwelling unit at any time for the protection or preservation of the premises.' Tenants may not unreasonably deny access, and landlords may not use access to harass the tenant.
Violations & Penalties
No specific statutory penalty. A tenant subjected to unlawful or harassing entry may seek injunctive relief and damages; a landlord unreasonably denied lawful access may likewise pursue remedies, including termination under § 83.56 for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice must a Florida landlord give before entering for repairs?
Can a Florida landlord enter without notice?
Sources
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