This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance protections for mobile home owners and park owners regarding lot tenancies. It establishes the Department of Legal Affairs' authority to enforce compliance with state laws, allowing individuals harmed by violations to file complaints. New requirements for park owners include providing detailed proof of expenses and justifications for rent increases, as well as prohibiting certain practices related to electronic billing and payment systems. The bill also revises the mediation process for disputes, allowing the Department to appoint mediators if one party refuses to engage, and clarifies the conditions under which park owners can terminate tenancies while mandating acceptance of specified payment methods.

Additionally, the bill addresses the eviction process for mobile home park residents, specifying that evictions for nonpayment can only occur if the failure to pay is not due to the park owner's refusal to accept payment. It extends the grace period for payment from 5 to 10 days and allows payments from various parties, which must be accepted by park owners. The legislation establishes the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation to manage park closures and outlines increased compensation for mobile home owners required to relocate. It also amends disclosure requirements for park owners and the rights of lessees in cases of substantial damage, ensuring that lessees can terminate rental agreements under certain conditions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1550 Filed: 723.005, 723.022, 723.023, 723.033, 723.038, 723.0611, 723.011