10/10/2026
🚨 Florida landlords: lying your way into a rental is now a FELONY.
As of October 1, HB 1293 (F.S. § 817.537) makes it a third-degree felony, with up to 5 years and a $5,000 fine, to knowingly move into a rental using:
• A fake identity on the application (name, DOB, SSN)
• Forged documents like IDs, pay stubs, or bank statements
• Someone else's identity to sign the lease or move in
It passed unanimously, 110-0 in the House and 34-0 in the Senate.
What it means for landlords:
✅ Fraudulent entry is now a non-curable violation, so you can serve a 7-day notice to terminate
✅ No criminal conviction is needed first
❌ No self-help. If they won't leave, you still go through county court. No lock changes, no utility shutoffs.
Your screening checklist:
1️⃣ Call employers on a number YOU look up
2️⃣ Use bank-verified income tools, not just PDFs
3️⃣ Verify ID live, in person or with a verification tool
4️⃣ Use the same process for EVERY applicant. That's Fair Housing. In Miami-Dade and Broward, housing vouchers are a protected source of income.
5️⃣ Keep every document and your verification notes
6️⃣ Be sure before you serve notice. Losing can cost you the tenant's attorney fees.
Renters: only submit your own true documents. If your identity was stolen for a rental, file a police report and an FTC report, and notify the landlord in writing.
Good screening has always protected good tenancies. Now the law backs it up. 💪
Leasing in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach? Ask Jeannie 📲 askjeannie.realtor
General info only, not legal advice. Consult Florida counsel.
