Self-help Eviction Prohibited in Florida

It is the landlord's obligation to maintain the rented property in a habitable condition.

This includes taking care of major repairs.

The Tenant may be able to withhold rent if repairs are not addressed.

Florida landlord/Tenant law requires the Landlord to:

• comply with all requirements of applicable building, housing, and health codes
• at least maintain: roofs, windows, doors, floors, steps, porches, exterior walls, foundations, and all other structural components.
• Ensure that screens are installed and are in a reasonable condition (at commencement of tenancy).

In dwelling units other than single-family home or duplex, the Landlord shall:

• make reasonable provisions for extermination of pests
• keep common areas in a clean and safe condition
• garbage removal and outside receptacles
• heat during the winter, running water, and hot water.
• smoke detectors

see complete law F.S. 83.51

It's the tenant's obligation to maintain the rented residence.

Florida Landlord/Tenant law requires the tenant to:

•  Comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building, housing, and health codes.
• Keep that part of the premises which he or she occupies and uses clean and sanitary.
• Remove from the tenant’s dwelling unit all garbage in a clean and sanitary manner.
• Keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or used by the tenant clean and sanitary and in repair.
• Use and operate in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other facilities and appliances, including elevators.
• Not destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the premises or property therein belonging to the landlord nor permit any person to do so.
• Conduct himself or herself, and require other persons on the premises with his or her consent to conduct themselves, in a manner that does not unreasonably disturb the tenant’s neighbors or constitute a breach of the peace.

see complete law F.S. 83.52