Published · Alex Zweydoff, Allegiant Management Grop
Starting October 1, 2025, Florida landlords must follow House Bill 1015 (HB 1015)—often called the Florida Rental Flood Disclosure Law. The rule requires clear notice of flood risks before a lease gets signed. Owners and managers pick up new duties, and renters get more transparency.
What Is the Florida Rental Flood Disclosure Law (HB 1015)?
The law tells landlords to inform prospective tenants if a property sits in a FEMA flood zone or has a known history of flood damage. The disclosure needs to happen before the lease is executed and should be documented in writing.
Coverage is broad. It reaches residential homes, condos, apartment communities, and commercial rentals. The purpose stays simple: help renters understand risk so they can choose wisely.
Who Must Comply With Florida’s Flood Disclosure Law?
Compliance falls on residential landlords, commercial owners, and property managers who handle leasing. If you rent property in Florida, you’re expected to provide the disclosure to every new tenant before signatures go on the lease.
Flood Disclosure Requirements for Florida Landlords
- Flood zone status: Say whether the unit or building is inside a FEMA flood hazard area.
- Flood history: Share any known prior flood damage—even small incidents.
- Tenant guidance: Offer practical steps tenants can take, like reviewing renter’s insurance options.
Keep the language plain. Put it in writing. Ask both parties to sign so records are complete.
Florida Landlord Compliance Checklist for HB 1015
- Check current FEMA flood maps for every address you lease.
- Log any past flooding or water intrusion you know about.
- Prepare a short, clear disclosure form for each unit.
- Provide the disclosure before lease signing.
- File the signed disclosure with the lease packet.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
Skipping the disclosure can lead to fines, lease termination rights for tenants, and potential lawsuits seeking damages. It can also hurt your reputation in the market.
Implications for Florida Tenant Rights
Renters now get important flood risk details before they commit. That makes it easier to judge safety, decide on insurance, and compare units without surprises.
Flood risk and rental laws in Florida can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage them alone. Allegiant Management Group provides full-service property management, helping landlords stay compliant, protect their investments, and keep tenants informed. Contact us today to learn how we can make managing your rental stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the Florida Rental Flood Disclosure Law take effect?
- The effective date is October 1, 2025.
- Does the law apply to existing leases?
- No. It covers new leases signed on or after October 1, 2025.
- Does the law apply to short-term rentals?
- Yes. The requirement applies to all rental agreements, regardless of length.
- How do landlords prove compliance?
- Keep a signed copy of the disclosure with the lease documents.
