Jacob Ogles
The Legislature is backing a measure that would extend to renters the same flood risk disclosures now mandated in home sales.
The House passed the bill (SB 948) on a 114-0 vote. The legislation imposes requirements on landlords to give all relevant information to prospective tenants before rental agreements are signed. Condo developers would also have to make disclosures to potential buyers and lessees, as would mobile home owners renting or leasing units.
“This is important for many reasons. But I think one of the most important parts of this is there’s a disclaimer in there to let people know that flood insurance is not usually part of property insurance, so that purchasers and people who are renting apartments are aware of that,” said Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, a Parkland Democrat.
The Senate passed the legislation unanimously earlier this month. Sen. Jennifer Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican, carried the bipartisan bill through the upper chamber.
“This would give tenants the information they need to assess their risk before they make decisions about where to live and also whether or not to obtain flood insurance,” Bradley argued on the Senate floor.
The bill now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk.
Under the bill, if a landlord fails to properly disclose flood information, a renter could terminate the rental agreement, and the landlord would have to refund all advance payments. The Senate bill was amended before it was taken up in the House to require tenants to give landlords notice of their plan to break their lease and surrender possession of the domicile within 30 days.
That still offers protection for tenants from predatory practices. Hunschofsky said that, above all, the bill brings transparency to residents about properties whether they rent or buy.
“It brings this to people’s attention so that they can make choices, especially for people who are purchasing something, they can make good choices about one of their biggest investments,” Hunschofsky said on the floor.
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Jesse Scheckner contributed to this report.
