If a tenant stops paying rent and seems to have disappeared, many landlords assume they can immediately change the locks and move on. But in Florida, misjudging a tenant’s abandonment can lead to serious legal trouble.
Under Florida law, abandonment is more than just a vacant unit. Landlords must follow strict criteria before terminating the lease and retaking possession—such as verifying that rent is unpaid, the tenant has been absent for at least half the payment period, and there’s no evidence of ongoing occupancy. Even then, it’s wise to issue a formal notice, document the condition of the unit, and give the tenant a final chance to assert possession.
And the next step? Choosing how to proceed under Florida Statute 83.595—do you go after unpaid rent, re-rent the unit, or walk away? Each option has different consequences.
Don’t guess. Know your rights.
We’ve prepared a full guide for Florida landlords that explains the legal definition of abandonment, how to properly document it, when to notify the tenant, and which legal remedies you can pursue.
Read the full article here: Terminating the Lease Based on Abandonment
Avoid costly mistakes—learn how to handle abandonment the right way.