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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:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NEW emailing law and when does it go into effect?
The Electronic Notices/Emailing Law is a Florida law that creates a new section in Florida Statutes allowing for electronic delivery of notices (email) between landlords and tenants. It goes into effect on July 1, 2025. Do not use the addendum prior to this time.
Is emailing notices mandatory under the new law? Can I compel my tenant to receive notices via email?
No, emailing notices is completely voluntary for both parties. Neither landlords nor tenants can be forced to accept email notices.
What are the requirements for using email for official notices?
Both parties must:
  • 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
What types of notices can be sent by email under HB 615?
Nearly all notices required under Part II of Chapter 83, Florida Statutes, including:
  • 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
When is an emailed notice considered "delivered"?
An emailed notice is considered delivered at the time it is sent, unless it bounces back as undeliverable.
What happens if an email bounces back?
If an email bounces back, delivery is not considered to have occurred. The sender must immediately use an alternative method (personal delivery, posting, or US mail).
Can either party revoke their consent to email notices?
Yes, either party can revoke their consent to receive email notices at any time by providing written notice to the other party. The revocation takes effect upon delivery of that written notice.
Does revoking consent affect previously sent email notices?
No, revoking consent does not affect the validity of notices that were properly sent via email before the revocation.
Can parties update their email addresses?
Yes, either party can update their designated email address by providing written notice to the other party. The update takes effect upon delivery of that notice.
What should landlords do to prepare for the July 1, 2025 effective date?
Landlords should:
  • 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
What form must the addendum to the rental agreement take?
The law requires the addendum to be in "substantially the form" provided in the statute, which includes specific language for both landlord and tenant sections. It should be an addendum to the lease and not integrated into the main lease body.
What record-keeping practices are recommended?
Landlords should maintain:
  • 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
Does the new law eliminate traditional methods of notice delivery?
No, all traditional methods (personal delivery, posting, mail) remain valid options even if parties have an email agreement.
What happens if a landlord fails to follow the proper procedures?
Improperly delivered notices can derail an eviction or invalidate a security deposit claim. Strict compliance with the law's requirements is essential for the email notices to be legally effective.
If the tenant agrees to receiving notice by email should the landlord or property manager rely upon this?
There are certain notices where the tenant will deny receipt. There are also tenants who will lie or you may mistrust them. A Notice of Nonrenewal is one of the notices where receipt is denied and a lot is at stake. We recommend that in addition to emailing to make sure that you serve a Notice of Nonrenewal multiple ways.