Victory for Florida Property Managers and Landlords: Electronic Notices Bill Modernizes Landlord-Tenant Communications
Governor Signs Florida House Bill 615 (2025) into Law, Bringing Rental Communications into the Digital Age
We are pleased to announce that Florida House Bill 615 (2025), authorizing electronic delivery of notices between landlords and tenants, has been signed into law by the Governor. This landmark legislation, which creates Florida Statute 83.505, represents a significant modernization of landlord-tenant communications in Florida and will take effect on July 1, 2025.
A Collaborative Achievement
This important legislative update was made possible through the dedicated efforts and strategic collaboration between the Florida Apartment Association, the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), and the Law Offices of Heist, Weisse, and Wolk, PLLC. As a firm focusing on landlord-tenant law, we are proud to have played a key role in advocating for this practical improvement to Florida's residential rental landscape.
Key Benefits of the New Law
Florida House Bill 615 (2025) introduces several important updates to Florida's landlord-tenant statutes:
- Voluntary Electronic Notices: Landlords and tenants can now opt to exchange legally required notices via email, streamlining communications while maintaining proper documentation.
- Clear Consent Process: The law establishes a standardized addendum form that clearly explains the electronic notice option and emphasizes its voluntary nature.
- Flexibility to Update or Revoke: Either party can change their email address or withdraw from electronic delivery at any time with written notice.
- Delivery Confirmation: Notices sent electronically are deemed delivered when sent, unless returned as undeliverable.
Downloadable Addendum
You can download the addendum now, but remember that you cannot have the addendum signed until on or after July 1, 2025
Modernizing Multiple Statutes
The bill comprehensively updates several existing Florida statutes to incorporate electronic delivery options, including laws governing security deposits (83.49), landlord address disclosure (83.50), maintenance obligations (83.51), lease terminations (83.56), and specific duration tenancies (83.575).
What This Means for Florida's Housing Industry
This legislation brings Florida's rental housing laws into the 21st century. By providing a secure, efficient electronic alternative to traditional mail and in-person delivery, we're helping both landlords and tenants save time and resources while ensuring important communications remain properly documented.
The new law acknowledges the reality that most business and personal communications now happen electronically, while still maintaining appropriate legal safeguards for all parties involved in residential tenancies.
Updated Lease Disclosure
Florida Statute 83.49(2)(d) has been updated to require the following dislcosure: YOUR RENTAL AGREEMENT REQUIRES PAYMENT OF CERTAIN DEPOSITS. THE LANDLORD MAY TRANSFER ADVANCE RENTS TO THE LANDLORD'S ACCOUNT AS THEY ARE DUE AND WITHOUT NOTICE. WHEN YOU MOVE OUT, YOU MUST GIVE THE LANDLORD YOUR NEW ADDRESS SO THAT THE LANDLORD CAN SEND YOU NOTICES REGARDING YOUR DEPOSIT. THE LANDLORD MUST PROVIDE YOU WRITTEN NOTICE IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR BY E-MAIL IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 83.505, FLORIDA STATUTES, WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER YOU MOVE OUT, OF THE LANDLORD'S INTENT TO IMPOSE A CLAIM AGAINST THE DEPOSIT. IF YOU DO NOT REPLY TO THE LANDLORD STATING YOUR OBJECTION TO THE CLAIM WITHIN 15 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF THE LANDLORD'S WRITTEN NOTICE, THE LANDLORD WILL COLLECT THE CLAIM AND MUST MAIL YOU THE REMAINING DEPOSIT, IF ANY. IF THE LANDLORD FAILS TO TIMELY PROVIDE YOU NOTICE, THE LANDLORD MUST RETURN THE DEPOSIT BUT MAY LATER FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST YOU FOR DAMAGES. IF YOU FAIL TO TIMELY OBJECT TO A CLAIM, THE LANDLORD MAY COLLECT FROM THE DEPOSIT, BUT YOU MAY LATER FILE A LAWSUIT CLAIMING A REFUND. YOU SHOULD ATTEMPT TO INFORMALLY RESOLVE ANY DISPUTE BEFORE FILING A LAWSUIT. GENERALLY, THE PARTY IN WHOSE FAVOR A JUDGMENT IS RENDERED WILL BE AWARDED COSTS AND ATTORNEY FEES PAYABLE BY THE LOSING PARTY. THIS DISCLOSURE IS BASIC. PLEASE REFER TO PART II OF CHAPTER 83, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO DETERMINE YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.
Looking Forward
The Law Offices of Heist, Weisse, and Wolk will be offering guidance to property managers and owners on implementing these new electronic notice provisions. For those interested in learning more about how this legislation affects their rental operations please contact us:
- Email: info@evict.com
- Phone: 1-800-253-8428
Frequently Asked Questions
- Sign a specific addendum to the rental agreement consenting to email notices
- Provide a valid email address specifically for receiving these notices
- Maintain records of notice emails and transmission evidence
- Three-day notices for nonpayment of rent
- Seven-day notices with opportunity to cure
- Seven-day termination notices (non-curable)
- Security deposit claim notices
- Notice of intent to enter premises
- Notices about security deposit account changes
- Notices requiring tenant vacancy for extermination
- Obtain the statutory addendum form from our office.
- Prepare to include this addendum in lease signing processes
- Update property management software or tracking systems
- Establish robust record-keeping procedures
- Train staff on the new procedures
- Consult with an attorney for specific implementation advice
- Copies of all emails with attachments
- Records of any bounce-backs and subsequent actions
- Copies of any revocation notices or email address updates
- A dedicated company email for notices
- Organized digital records