Friendship Contract for Florida
This friendship contract template is specifically designed for Florida and includes all legally required clauses for Florida Friendship Contract agreements.
Florida Friendship Contract Laws
In Florida, friendship contract documents must comply with state regulations. The Florida legislature has established specific requirements for friendship contract documents to protect all parties involved.
Key Requirements in Florida
- Governing Law: Must include specific language regarding governing law
- Florida Radon Gas Disclosure: Must include specific language regarding florida radon gas disclosure
- Governing Law: Must include specific language regarding governing law
- Radon Gas Disclosure (Florida): Must include specific language regarding radon gas disclosure (florida)
- Security Deposit Provisions (Florida): Must include specific language regarding security deposit provisions (florida)
Friendship Contract Laws in Florida
Florida Residential Lease Requirements
Florida's rental laws provide specific protections and requirements for both landlords and tenants in the Sunshine State. When creating a Florida lease agreement, understanding these state-specific regulations is essential for legal compliance.
Security Deposit Rules in Florida
- No legal limit: Florida law does not cap security deposit amounts
- Return deadline: 15-60 days after move-out (depending on circumstances)
- Interest payments: Required if held in non-interest account
- Notice requirements: Must disclose where deposit is held
- Claim timeframe: 30 days to make claim against deposit
- Itemized deductions: Required for any portion withheld
- Delivery methods: Must be sent by certified mail to last known address
Notice Requirements in Florida
- Landlord entry: 12 hours notice (reasonable during emergencies)
- Rent increases: 15 days for month-to-month tenancies
- Lease termination (month-to-month): 15 days for either party
- Non-payment of rent: 3-day notice before filing eviction
- Lease violations: 7-day notice (curable or non-curable)
- Military service: 30 days with deployment/PCS orders
- Property sale: No specific notice requirement for sale
Required Disclosures in Florida Leases
- Lead-based paint: For buildings built before 1978 (federal requirement)
- Security deposit: Where funds are held and interest accrual
- Landlord's name and address: Required for serving notices
- Radon gas: Standard notification about potential presence
- Fire protection systems: Notification about presence/absence
- Contact information: Property manager or owner details
- Flood history: Disclosure if property has previously flooded
Tenant Rights in Florida
- Right to habitable housing: Implied warranty in every lease
- Withholding rent: Allowed for major repairs after proper notice
- Domestic violence protections: Early termination rights
- Prohibited retaliation: Protection against landlord retaliation
- Self-help evictions prohibited: Must follow court process
- Fair Housing protections: Against various forms of discrimination
- Military relief: Lease termination for active duty changes
Florida Lease Compliance Issues to Avoid
When creating a Florida lease agreement, avoid these common legal pitfalls that could invalidate certain provisions:
| Problematic Clause | Legal Issue Under Florida Law |
|---|---|
| Tenant waives right to security deposit interest | Statutorily required for non-interest-bearing accounts |
| Security deposit deductions without itemization | Florida law requires detailed accounting of all charges |
| Tenant waives notice of entry | 12-hour notice is required by state law |
| Tenant responsible for all structural repairs | Violates implied warranty of habitability |
| Automatic eviction without court process | "Self-help" evictions are illegal in Florida |
| Liquidated damages exceeding actual damage | Must be reasonable and reflect actual potential loss |
| Prohibiting service animals | Violates fair housing laws even in "no pet" properties |
Florida Rental Market Overview
Understanding Florida's diverse rental market helps set appropriate terms and expectations:
Major Florida Rental Markets
- Miami-Dade County: Higher-priced urban market with international appeal
- Orlando area: Tourism-influenced market with seasonal fluctuations
- Tampa Bay region: Growing market with diverse price points
- Jacksonville: More affordable market with military influence
- South Florida coast: Premium prices with seasonal vacation rental competition
Common Florida Lease Terms
- Lease duration: 12-month terms common, seasonal rentals in tourist areas
- Hurricane provisions: Often include specific preparation requirements
- Pest control: Usually landlord responsibility due to climate
- Pool maintenance: Clearly defined responsibility important
- HVAC maintenance: Regular service often required due to humidity
Special Considerations for Florida Properties
Florida's unique climate and conditions create special considerations for rental properties:
Hurricane and Severe Weather
Florida's vulnerability to hurricanes makes specific lease provisions important. Consider clauses addressing hurricane preparation responsibilities, evacuation procedures, property damage protocols, and insurance requirements. Specify who installs storm shutters and time frames for preparation.
Flood Insurance and Disclosures
Many Florida properties are in flood zones. Consider requiring renter's insurance with flood coverage, clearly disclose flood zone status, and document any previous flooding. Include responsibility for elevated items during flood warnings.
Mold and Humidity Control
Florida's humid climate creates mold risks. Include lease provisions about air conditioning use requirements, ventilation practices, and prompt reporting of water intrusion. Define tenant responsibilities for humidity control and cleaning to prevent mold.
Seasonal Rental Considerations
Florida's vacation rental market creates unique challenges. If allowing short-term sublets, address compliance with HOA/condo rules, tourist taxes, and licensing requirements. Consider higher deposits for seasonal rentals due to increased wear.
Florida Condo and HOA Lease Considerations
Florida has extensive condominium and homeowner association (HOA) properties with unique leasing requirements:
Association Approval Requirements
- Application process: Many Florida associations require formal tenant approval
- Background checks: Often required and may have specific criteria
- Interview requirements: Some associations mandate in-person tenant interviews
- Processing fees: Legal to pass reasonable fees to tenants
- Approval timeframes: Associations have limited time to respond
Common Association Restrictions
- Lease term minimums: Often 30-90 days to prevent short-term rentals
- Annual leasing limits: Some restrict number of leases per year
- Pet restrictions: May be more limiting than landlord preferences
- Occupancy limits: May be stricter than general housing laws
- Common area rules: Must be provided to tenants
When creating a friendship contract in Florida, it's important to understand the state's specific legal requirements. This page provides an overview of Florida laws pertaining to friendship contract documents, including required clauses and special considerations.
Key Provisions
- Florida requires specific language for friendship contract documents
- All friendship contract documents must include state-mandated disclosures
- Special provisions may apply depending on local municipality regulations
- Documents must be signed by all parties to be legally binding
- Certain clauses may be prohibited by Florida law
Special Considerations
- Local ordinances in Florida cities may impose additional requirements
- Consider consulting with a licensed attorney in Florida for complex situations
- Periodic updates to Florida law may affect document requirements
- Digital signatures are generally accepted but must meet specific requirements
- Keep copies of all signed documents for your records
Required Clauses in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Create Your Florida Friendship Contract
Generate a legally-compliant friendship contract for Florida in minutes.
- 100% Free
- Custom for Florida
- Download as PDF
- Email Sharing
- State-specific clauses
Why Choose LeaseCraft
Florida Legal Compliance
All documents comply with Florida state law
AI-Enhanced
AI technology ensures professional language
Professional PDF
Download as professional PDF document
Secure & Private
Your data is never stored without consent