The Nomad Lounge
Florida Six Figure Nomads · Community Forum
Why I Quit Renting
Share your story of leaving rental housing behind
What to Keep vs. Remove When Sharing Your Story
Before posting your story or uploading documents, review this checklist. Posts with private data will be removed immediately.
These referrals are NOT sponsored.
Attorneys
K. Kieron Jackman
Jackman Law PA
Fitness
Anytime Fitness
24/7 access — perfect for vehicle residents
Planet Fitness
$10/month membership with showers
Career
$95 Resume
Professional resume service — land your next six-figure role
The resources below are links to official sources and general educational information. Nothing here constitutes legal advice. Consult a licensed Florida attorney for your specific situation.
Key Florida Statutes for Tenants
Security Deposit Procedures
Landlord must return deposit within 15 days of lease end (if no claim) or provide written claim notice within 30 days. Violations entitle tenant to deposit + attorney fees.
Landlord's Obligation to Maintain Premises
Landlord must comply with building codes, maintain roofs, windows, screens, plumbing, heating, and AC. Structural components and pest extermination included.
Termination for Noncompliance
Tenant may give 7-Day Notice to Cure for habitability violations. If uncured, tenant may terminate the lease. Documents your legal right to leave without penalty.
Termination for Failure to Maintain
If landlord fails to maintain the premises after proper notice, tenant can terminate the rental agreement and recover damages.
Prohibited Practices (Landlord)
Landlord cannot cut off utilities, lock out tenant, or remove belongings without court order. Violation entitles tenant to 3 months rent or actual damages, whichever is greater.
How-To Guides
How to Hire a Tenant Attorney in Florida
- 1Identify statutes with tenant protection provisions (§ 83.49, § 83.57, § 83.67)
- 2Document all violations with dates, photos, and written notices
- 3Send a formal demand letter via certified mail
- 4Search the Florida Bar Referral Service for landlord-tenant attorneys
- 5Ask specifically: "Do you take cases on contingency under § 83.49?"
- 6Bring your documented evidence to the initial consultation
The 7-Day Notice to Cure: Your Legal Weapon
- 1Identify the specific habitability violation (mold, no AC, plumbing)
- 2Write a clear, factual notice listing the violation and required cure
- 3Send via certified mail AND hand-deliver (keep receipt)
- 4Attach your lab report, inspection report, or photos
- 5Note: This creates a legal record that the landlord had notice
- 6After 7 days uncured: you may terminate the lease lawfully
Documenting Mold for a Winning Case
- 1Hire a certified industrial hygienist (CIH) for air sampling
- 2Request a laboratory spore count report (like PriorityLab)
- 3A reading above 500 spores/m³ indoors is generally actionable
- 4Cross-reference with outdoor control sample (should be much lower)
- 5Send mold report to landlord via certified mail with repair demand
- 6Photograph all visible mold before any cleaning
Get Legal Help
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
Find a licensed Florida attorney. First consultation often reduced fee. Search by specialty including landlord-tenant.
DBPR – File a Complaint Against Landlord
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. File complaints against licensed property managers.
Florida Dept. of Health – Mold Complaints
Report mold in rental housing. FDOH can conduct investigations for public health violations.
Legal Aid Society of Broward County
Free legal help for qualifying tenants in Broward County dealing with eviction, habitability, or deposit disputes.
Community Legal Services – Miami-Dade
Free legal assistance for low-income tenants in Miami-Dade. Eviction defense, housing, and consumer cases.
Legal Aid Service of Palm Beach County
Free civil legal services for qualifying Palm Beach County residents facing housing issues.
Florida Dept. of Financial Services – Insurance Complaints
File complaints against renters insurance companies that deny valid claims.
Facing Immediate Eviction or Lockout?
If your landlord has locked you out, removed your belongings, or shut off utilities without a court order, this is illegal under Fla. Stat. § 83.67 and you may be entitled to 3 months' rent plus attorney fees.