This bill amends section 83.56 of the Florida Statutes to include fraudulent entry of a residential dwelling unit as a valid reason for landlords to terminate rental agreements. Specifically, it adds that such fraudulent entry constitutes an act of noncompliance, allowing landlords to issue a notice for termination without giving tenants an opportunity to cure the violation. The bill also creates a new section, 817.537, which defines the crime of fraudulent entry into a residential dwelling unit and outlines specific actions that constitute this offense, such as providing false information in rental applications or using forged documents.

Under the newly established section 817.537, individuals are prohibited from entering and taking possession of a residential dwelling unit through deceitful means, including impersonation or submission of counterfeit documents. Violators of this section would be charged with a third-degree felony, subject to penalties as outlined in existing statutes. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1224 Filed: 82.02
S 1224 c1: 83.56
S 1224 c2: 83.56