New rental application fraud laws to take effect as of October 1st in Floida.
Starting Wednesday, October 1, 2026, a new statewide statute will address cases where someone gains access to a rental home through deception on the application process. Known as House Bill 1293 and codified as Chapter 2026-143 of the Laws of Florida, the measure creates a specific criminal offense and adjusts the rules landlords can use to end certain tenancies.
Under the new section 817.537 of the Florida Statutes, it becomes illegal for a person to move into and occupy a residential rental unit by knowingly and intentionally:
• Providing a false written statement about their identity on a rental application,
• Submitting forged, fake, or counterfeit paperwork to the landlord (examples listed in the law include a driver’s license, identification card, bank statement, or pay stub), or
• Pretending to be someone else whose name appears on the application in order to sign the lease or take possession of the unit.
This conduct is classified as a third-degree felony. Depending on the circumstances and any prior record, it can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of as much as $5,000. Simple mistakes or unintentional errors on an application do not qualify; the law requires deliberate, knowing actions.
The same bill updates the landlord-tenant provisions in section 83.56(2)(a). Fraudulent entry of this kind is now treated as a serious lease violation that cannot be corrected or cured. A landlord who discovers it may issue a written notice ending the rental agreement right away. The tenant then has seven days from the date the notice is delivered to leave the property. The notice language follows a standard form that states the lease is terminated immediately, gives the seven-day deadline, and cites the specific violation.
Importantly, the landlord still cannot simply lock the person out or force them to leave without going through the courts. If the occupant remains after the seven days, the landlord must file a formal eviction action and follow the usual legal process.
The law was signed by the governor on June 12, 2026, and applies across Florida, including to landlords and renters in Pasco County. Residents who want the exact wording can review the full chapter law through the Florida Department of State’s online resources. Anyone facing a specific situation involving a current lease is encouraged to seek independent legal guidance for how the changes may apply.
