The proposed bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance landlord obligations concerning tenant cooling equipment and to revise definitions related to construction contracting. It mandates that landlords provide and maintain cooling equipment that can keep indoor temperatures in habitable rooms at or below 82 degrees Fahrenheit when the outdoor heat index reaches or exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Landlords are required to repair or replace malfunctioning cooling equipment within three business days of receiving written notice from the tenant. The bill also introduces definitions for terms such as "cooling equipment," "habitable room," and "outdoor heat index," while clarifying that landlords are not obligated to provide cooling equipment if local ordinances prohibit it. Additionally, it revises definitions for "class A air-conditioning contractor" and "mechanical contractor" to encompass a wider range of services, and updates cross-references in existing statutes related to rental agreements and landlord responsibilities.

Furthermore, House Bill 241 clarifies the conditions under which a tenant may defend against eviction actions due to a landlord's failure to comply with specific rental agreement provisions. It replaces references to section 83.51(1) with section 83.51(2), which details landlord responsibilities regarding habitability. If a landlord's noncompliance makes a dwelling unit untenantable, the tenant is not liable for rent during that period. However, if the unit remains habitable, rent will be proportionally reduced based on the loss of rental value. Tenants must provide written notice of noncompliance to landlords and wait seven days before asserting their defense in eviction proceedings, allowing landlords the opportunity to address any issues. The amendments will apply to rental agreements entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2026, with compliance required for existing agreements by July 1, 2027.

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