House Bill 241 amends Florida rental law to enhance landlord responsibilities regarding the maintenance of cooling equipment in rental properties. The bill introduces definitions for terms such as "cooling equipment," "habitable room," and "outdoor heat index," and mandates that landlords provide and maintain cooling systems that keep indoor temperatures at or below 82 degrees Fahrenheit when the outdoor heat index reaches or exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Landlords are also required to repair or replace malfunctioning cooling equipment within three business days of receiving written notice from tenants. Exceptions to these requirements are included for situations where local ordinances prohibit the installation of cooling equipment. The amendments will apply to rental agreements entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2026, with a compliance deadline for existing agreements set for July 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill updates references to specific sections regarding landlord compliance, replacing references to section 83.51(1) with section 83.51(2). This change affects the conditions under which tenants can defend against eviction actions based on nonpayment of rent, particularly when a landlord's failure to comply with the rental agreement is due to circumstances beyond their control. The bill clarifies that if a dwelling becomes uninhabitable, tenants are not liable for rent during that time, while rent will be proportionally reduced if the unit remains habitable but is affected by the landlord's noncompliance. It also establishes tenants' rights to raise defenses against eviction actions, ensuring that material noncompliance with section 83.51(2) serves as a complete defense against eviction for nonpayment of rent. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 241 Filed: 83.51, 83.56, 83.60