Florida Strictly Preempts Local Rent Control

FS 166.043 (cities) and FS 125.0103 (counties) declare rent control contrary to state policy and bar local rent ceilings on dwellings owned by private parties. The only exception is a measure adopted to address a documented housing emergency so grave it constitutes a serious threat to the public; even then, the ordinance must be approved by referendum, last no longer than one year, and exempt luxury and seasonal rentals. Orange County voters tested this in 2022; courts struck the measure for failing the high evidentiary bar. No active rent control exists anywhere in Florida.

Local rent control ordinances are unenforceable and face injunction; landlords cannot be fined for charging market rent.