In Florida, the process for landlord-tenant notices to communicate, particularly regarding security deposits, has historically been cumbersome. Until recently, Florida law required landlords to send written notices via certified mail to a tenant’s last known mailing address after they vacated a property. This method posed challenges: tenants often didn’t provide forwarding addresses, some lacked a permanent address upon leaving, and the process of sending certified mail was both costly and time-consuming—a relic of outdated business practices.
Modernizing Landlord-Tenant Notices
✅ Effective July 1, 2025, landlords and tenants in Florida have a new, modern way to send and receive required rental notices—including security deposit claims
The Florida Legislature addressed these issues in its 2025 session by passing House Bill 615, which introduced section 83.505, Florida Statutes. Effective July 1, 2025, this law modernizes how landlords and tenants can exchange notices by allowing electronic delivery via email, provided both parties agree to it through a specific addendum to the rental agreement. This addendum must clearly state that the choice to use email is voluntary and that either party can revoke the agreement or update their email address at any time.
✅ Key Requirements for Email Notices
To comply with section 83.505, the agreement for electronic notices must be in a separate addendum to the lease, not embedded within the lease itself. This ensures clarity and avoids potential legal ambiguities. The statute provides sample language for the addendum, which can be directly incorporated. Below is the suggested format for both landlords and tenants:
Landlord Election:
“Notices from a tenant may contain time-sensitive information about the tenant’s housing. The election to receive notices from the tenant by email is voluntary.
☐ I, [name], the landlord or the landlord’s agent, agree to receive notices required by the rental agreement or under part II of chapter 83, Florida Statutes, from the tenant by email. I designate the following email address for receipt of notices from the tenant: [landlord’s or landlord’s agent’s email address].
☐ I do not agree to receive notices by email.
I may revoke my agreement to receive notices by email by providing written notice to the tenant, which is effective upon delivery of such written notice and does not affect the validity of any notice that was previously sent by email.
I may update my email address designated for electronic delivery at any time by providing written notice to the tenant specifying the new email address, which takes effect upon delivery of such notice.”
Tenant Election:
“Notices from a landlord may contain time-sensitive information about a tenant’s housing. The election to receive notices from the landlord by email is voluntary.
☐ I, [name], the tenant, agree to receive notices required by the rental agreement or under part II of chapter 83, Florida Statutes, from the landlord by email. I designate the following email address for receipt of notices from the landlord: [tenant’s email address].
☐ I do not agree to receive notices by email.
I may revoke my agreement to receive notices by email by providing written notice to the landlord, which is effective upon delivery of such written notice and does not affect the validity of any notice that was previously sent by email.
I may update my email address designated for electronic delivery at any time by providing written notice to the landlord specifying the new email address, which takes effect upon delivery of such notice.”
Landlord-Tenant Notices Covered by the New Law
Section 83.505 updates several sections of Florida Statutes to allow email notices when agreed upon in the addendum. These include:
- Section 83.49: Security deposits and claims on security deposits.
- Section 83.50: Disclosure of the landlord’s address.
- Section 83.51: Landlord’s notice to tenants to temporarily vacate for pest control.
- Section 83.56: Notice of termination of the rental agreement.
- Section 83.575: Notice of termination at the end of a lease with a specific duration.
This change streamlines communication, making it faster and more cost-effective for both parties.
Limitations and Considerations
While this update is a significant step forward, there are important limitations to note:
- Commercial Tenancies Excluded: The email notice provisions apply only to residential tenancies, not commercial ones.
- Oral Leases: Since the law requires a written addendum, email notices may not be permissible for oral lease agreements.
- Unspecified Notices: Some sections in part II of chapter 83 reference “notice” without specifying the delivery method. House Bill 615 does not explicitly address these, so landlords should consult an attorney to determine if email notices are appropriate in those cases.
Why The Updates To Landlord-Tenant Notices Matters
The shift to email notices reflects Florida’s effort to align landlord-tenant laws with modern communication practices. By adopting electronic delivery, landlords can save time and money, while tenants gain a more convenient way to receive critical updates. However, both parties must carefully review and sign the addendum to ensure compliance with the law.
For landlords, this change eliminates the hassle of tracking down a tenant’s new address or dealing with certified mail. For tenants, it ensures faster access to time-sensitive information, such as security deposit claims or lease termination notices. Both parties benefit from the flexibility to revoke or update their email preferences as needed.
Summary
Landlords and tenants should work together to draft and sign the required addendum if they wish to use email for notices. Landlords, in particular, should ensure the addendum follows the statutory language and is kept separate from the lease agreement. If there’s any uncertainty about applying these provisions, consulting a legal professional is highly recommended.
This legislative update marks a significant improvement in Florida’s landlord-tenant laws, making communication more efficient while maintaining protections for both parties. Stay informed and ensure your lease agreements are updated to take advantage of this modernized process.
Are you thinking about buying or selling real estate in the South Florida area? We can help! Contact Natasha at Live South Florida Realty, Inc. today! Also, be sure to download the free Florida Home Search App for your smartphone or tablet.
