Update on Tenant Protections

The Tenants Bill of Rights previously adopted by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners is no longer in effect in accordance with a new Florida state law. HB 1417, Residential Tenancies, went into effect on July 1, 2023, pre-empting local governments from regulating landlord-tenant relationships. For more information, see HB 1417.

Complaints about housing discrimination or unsafe living conditions can still be reported locally to the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights or Code Enforcement. Learn more.

Renter Tips

You have the right to a safe living space with structures such as a roof, walls and windows in reasonably good condition.
You have a right to functioning facilities for heat during the winter, running water and hot water.
You have the right to not be discriminated against.

Protect Yourself

Have a written lease.
Before you sign the lease, make sure you read and understand the terms of the agreement. For help on what to look for in a lease, see Tenant Tips for Lease Agreements from Gulfcoast Legal Services.
Notices to and from a landlord must be in writing.
Keep copies of all documents for your records.
Before you move in and prior to moving out, conduct a walk-through with the landlord and document any damage with photographs.
If your rent was paid monthly, and your lease ends, and you do not sign a renewal but remain on the property with the permission of the landlord, you are now living month-to-month. If you are on a month-to-month lease, Florida law says you must receive at least a 15-day notice before your rent can be raised or the eviction process can begin.
If you do not pay your rent on time and you get a 3-day notice to pay or vacate, pay your rent immediately or get help. This is the first step in the eviction process.
When you get ready to move from a rental unit, regardless of the duration, be sure to give advance notice as specified in your lease, settle all accounts, understand the conditions of the security deposit, provide a forwarding address and leave the premises in a clean condition.
Watch out for signs of a scam. Learn more…
View our Quick Tips for Renters Flyer for additional guidance and a list of resources in the community.

Renter PSAs

Reach Out For Help

Legal Aid

Seek legal help as soon as you know you will not be able to pay rent. Find legal help before you receive a notice from your landlord. If you do get a “3‑day notice” or any written notice that you have to pay or leave, reach out to legal aid the same day you get that notice. Your possible solutions depend on how soon you get legal assistance. Visit our Help with Housing page for legal services in the community.

Consumer Protection

Rental opportunities that sound too good to be true probably are. Beware of any situation where the listing details are vague, you are asked to sign a lease without seeing the property, or you are told to wire money or pay via an online payment app. These are red flags! Contact Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 to determine your best course of action.

Fair Housing

If you feel you have been discriminated against on basis of your race, gender, ethnicity, etc., document the incident(s) and contact the Office of Human Rights at (727) 464-4880.

Florida Landlord-Tenant Law

Before you rent, know your rights and responsibilities under the law.

Pinellas County does not have rent control.

Florida Statute 83, Landlord and Tenant, Part II, Residential Tenancies: www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes