Florida Repair & Habitability Laws
Florida landlords must maintain rental units in compliance with housing codes and keep essential systems operational.
Last reviewed:
Key Rules
- Repair And Deduct
- Not available under Florida law
- Rent Withholding
- Tenant may deposit rent into court registry as defense in eviction; not available as independent remedy
- Habitability Standard
- Compliance with housing codes; working plumbing, heating, AC (where existing), running water
- Notice Required
- 7 days written notice to landlord before tenant may use habitability as a defense
Applicable Statutes
Landlord's obligations: landlord must comply with applicable building, housing, and health codes; maintain structural components; maintain plumbing, heating, and cooling systems; and provide running water, heat, and hot water.
Fla. Stat. § 83.60
Defenses to actions for rent: tenant may raise landlord's failure to maintain habitable conditions as a defense in a nonpayment-of-rent eviction, but must pay rent into court registry.
Legal Aid Resources
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.