The bill introduces a new section, 817.537, to the Florida Statutes, which establishes the crime of fraudulent entry of a residential dwelling unit. It defines the offense as entering and taking possession of a residential unit through knowingly and willfully making false statements in a rental application, presenting forged documents, or impersonating another person in the rental process. Violators of this section would be charged with a third-degree felony, subject to penalties outlined in existing statutes.

Additionally, the bill amends section 83.56 of the Florida Statutes to classify fraudulent entry of a residential dwelling unit as an act of noncompliance that allows landlords to terminate rental agreements. This amendment specifies that landlords can issue a notice of termination if a tenant engages in fraudulent entry, regardless of whether criminal proceedings have been initiated. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1293 Filed: 83.56
H 1293 c1: 83.56
H 1293 er: 83.56