What is a Florida landlord's duty to repair?
Florida landlords have a statutory implied warranty of habitability. The unit must be fit for human occupation throughout the tenancy: working heat, hot and cold water, plumbing, electricity, structural soundness, and freedom from infestations. After a tenant gives written notice of a habitability defect, the landlord has a reasonable time to repair, typically 14 to 30 days depending on severity. Emergencies (no heat in winter, sewer backup, unsafe electrical) require near-immediate response. If the landlord fails to repair, the tenant has remedies: rent withholding (with deposit into escrow), repair-and-deduct (capped at typically one month's rent), or constructive eviction. Self-help remedies require strict statutory compliance.
Source: Florida implied warranty of habitability
This is an informational answer based on Florida implied warranty of habitability as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a Florida-licensed attorney.