Florida Just Passed a New Law That Cracks Down on Rental Fraud – Here’s What Landlords Need to Know

For a long time, Florida landlords have dealt with a frustrating loophole: tenants who lie their way into a home. Whether it’s a fake pay stub, a forged ID, or a completely fabricated background, rental application fraud has been a growing headache for property owners across the Sunshine State.

But things are about to change.

The Florida Legislature recently passed CS/HB 1293, titled "Fraudulent Entry of Residential Dwellings." This isn't just a minor update to the books: it's a massive win for property owners and the property management industry as a whole. The bill passed the Senate 34–0 and the House 110–0. When a law passes unanimously like that, you know it's addressing a serious problem that everyone agrees needs fixing.

At D&D Property Management Solutions, we’ve seen how much damage a single fraudulent tenant can do. That’s why we’re so excited to share how this new law will protect your investments and streamline the way we handle bad actors.

What Exactly Is the New "Fraudulent Entry" Crime?

Starting October 1, 2026, Florida will officially recognize "Fraudulent entry of a residential dwelling unit" as a third-degree felony.

In the past, if a tenant lied on their application, getting them out was often a slow, expensive process through the standard eviction courts. You often had to prove a breach of contract, and even then, the legal "cures" available to tenants could drag things out for months.

Under the new law, a person commits a third-degree felony if they knowingly take possession of a residential unit by:

• Making false statements on a rental application regarding their identity.
• Presenting forged documents (like fake IDs, bank statements, or pay stubs).
• Impersonating another person to secure the lease.

A third-degree felony in Florida is no joke: it carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. This sends a clear message: lying on a rental application is now a serious crime with serious consequences.

The Landlord's Secret Weapon: The 7-Day Non-Curable Notice

Perhaps the most significant part of CS/HB 1293 isn't the prison time: it’s how much faster you can get your property back.

Usually, when a tenant violates a lease, Florida law often requires a "notice to cure," giving the tenant a chance to fix the problem (like paying late rent or getting rid of an unauthorized pet). However, this new law treats fraudulent entry as a non-curable violation.

How it works:

1. Identify the Fraud: You discover the tenant used a fake ID or forged pay stubs to get the keys.
2. Issue the Notice: You can issue a 7-day notice to vacate.
3. No Second Chances: Because it is "non-curable," the tenant does not have the right to "fix" the fraud. They simply have to leave.
4. No Criminal Conviction Needed: You don't have to wait for a state attorney to file charges or for a jury to find them guilty. The civil remedy (eviction) is separate from the criminal process.

This is a game-changer for landlord advice. It slashes the time a fraudulent tenant can stay in your property, saving you thousands in lost rent and legal fees.

Why Is This Law Necessary Now?

You might be wondering why this bill received such overwhelming support. The truth is, rental fraud has become high-tech. With the rise of AI and sophisticated photo editing software, it has become incredibly easy for scammers to create "perfect" applications.

We’ve seen cases in Central Florida where applicants provide bank statements that look 100% legitimate but are entirely fabricated. These "professional tenants" move in, never pay a dime of rent, and then force the landlord through a three-month eviction process while they live for free.

By making this a felony and a non-curable eviction offense, Florida is stripping away the incentive for these scammers to target our communities.

(Above: The new law allows for a rapid 7-day exit for fraudulent tenants, bypasssing the usual "right to cure.")

How Professional Property Management Protects You

While this new law is a fantastic safety net, the best way to handle fraud is to prevent it from ever happening. That’s where a professional property management company comes in.

At D&D Property Management Solutions, we don't just "look" at applications: we vet them. Our process includes:

• Identity Verification: Ensuring the person applying is who they say they are.
• Income Authentication: We go beyond just looking at a PDF of a pay stub. We look for the "tells" of forged documents that many individual landlords might miss.
• Background Screening: Deep dives into criminal and eviction histories to ensure your property is in good hands.

By staying on top of legislative changes like CS/HB 1293, we ensure our clients are always protected by the latest legal protections. Whether you are an experienced investor or a first-time landlord, having a team that knows the law inside and out is your best defense.

Preparing for October 1, 2026

October 1 might seem far away, but now is the time to review your leasing processes. If you are currently managing your own properties, you should:

1. Update Your Rental Applications: Ensure your applications clearly state that providing false information is a felony under Florida law. Sometimes, just the warning is enough to scare off scammers.
2. Keep Your Paperwork: If you suspect fraud, keep every digital and physical document the applicant sent. These will be your primary evidence for both the 7-day notice and potential criminal charges.
3. Consult the Experts: Laws are changing fast in Florida. From new squatter laws to this rental fraud crackdown, the environment is becoming much friendlier for property owners: if you know how to navigate it.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the legalities of being a landlord, we’re here to help. We take the hassle out of managing your rentals so you can focus on growing your portfolio.

Grow Your Knowledge and Make Better Decisions

Managing property in Central Florida is rewarding, but it comes with risks. This new law is a clear signal that the state is taking property rights seriously. As your local property management experts, D&D Property Management Solutions is committed to keeping you informed and your investments secure.

Want to make sure your rental is protected from fraud?
Schedule a Free Consultation with us today. We’ll walk you through our screening process and show you how we handle the "heavy lifting" so you don’t have to.

Let’s make sure your next tenant is a great one!

Key Takeaways for Florida Landlords:

• CS/HB 1293 takes effect Oct 1, 2026.
• Rental fraud is now a 3rd-degree felony.
• Landlords can use a 7-day non-curable notice to vacate for fraudulent entry.
• No criminal conviction is required to start the eviction.
• Professional screening is still your #1 defense.