Case Title: In Re: Revisions To Simplified Forms Pursuant To Rule 10-2.1(A) Of The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar

Citation: 

Docket Number: SC09-250

State: florida

Court: Florida Supreme Court

Date: 2010-04-15T00:00:00Z

Document:
Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC09-250 
____________ 
 
 
IN RE:  REVISIONS TO SIMPLIFIED FORMS PURSUANT TO RULE 10-
2.1(A) OF THE RULES REGULATING THE FLORIDA BAR. 
 
[April 15, 2010] 
 
PER CURIAM. 
 
Under Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 10-2.1(a), Unlicensed Practice of 
Law, nonlawyers may assist persons in filling out legal forms approved by the 
Florida Supreme Court.  Since the implementation of this rule in 1987, The Florida 
Bar has developed, and the Court has approved, simplified forms for use by 
nonlawyers assisting third parties.1  The Board of Governors of The Florida Bar 
has filed a petition recommending amendments to several residential lease forms 
and the deletion of two residential lease forms formerly approved by the Court for 
use by nonlawyers.  The Board explains that the Real Property, Probate, and Trust 
                                          
 
 
1.  See Fla. Bar re Revisions to Simplified Forms, 774 So. 2d 611 (Fla. 
2000); Fla. Bar re Revisions to Simplified Forms, 773 So. 2d 1062 (Fla. 1998).   
 
 
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Law Section of The Florida Bar proposed the amendments to the Board after 
seeking input from the Florida Association of Realtors and the Housing Group of 
Florida Legal Services, Inc.  Some of the amendments reflect statutory changes.  
Official notice of the filing of the forms with the Court was published in The 
Florida Bar News on January 1, 2009.    
We hereby approve the amendments to the following forms as shown in the 
appendix to this opinion:  (1) Residential Lease for Single Family Home and 
Duplex (for a term not to exceed one year); (2) Residential Lease for Apartment or 
Unit in Multi-Family Rental Housing (Other than a Duplex) Including a Mobile 
Home (for a term not to exceed one year); and (3) Residential Landlord-Tenant 
Forms.  Added language is underlined and deleted language is struck through.  We 
express no opinion as to whether the approved lease forms comport with current 
law.   
In addition to the forms, The Florida Bar has prepared instructions to 
accompany some of the forms. While we authorize the publication of the 
instructions, we do not express an opinion on their legal correctness.  Because local 
procedures may vary from circuit to circuit, the chief judge of each circuit is 
authorized to prepare supplemental directions for using forms.  All such directions 
shall be filed with the clerks of the court in the circuits and with the clerk of this 
Court.   
 
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Finally, as recommended by the Board, we delete the following two forms: 
(1) Residential Lease for Unit in Condominium or Cooperative (for a term not to 
exceed one year) and (2) Residential Lease for Single Family Home and Duplex 
(for a term not to exceed one year) 1992 version.    
Accordingly, and upon consideration of the proposed revisions, we adopt 
same and approve the attached lease forms, effective upon the release of this 
opinion.  
It is so ordered. 
QUINCE, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, CANADY, POLSTON, LABARGA, 
and PERRY, JJ., concur. 
 
NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO FILE REHEARING MOTION, AND 
IF FILED, DETERMINED. 
 
Original Proceeding – Rules Regulating The Florida Bar 
 
John F. Harkness, Jr., Executive Director, Jesse H. Diner, President, and Lori S. 
Holcomb, UPL Counsel, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida; Sandra F. 
Diamond, Chair, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, The Florida Bar, 
Seminole, Florida; and Arthur J. Menor and Neil B. Shoter of Shutts and Bowen, 
LLP, West Palm Beach, Florida, 
 
 
for Petitioner 
 
John A. Steinwand, CRB, President/Owner/Broker, Naples Realty Services, Inc., 
Naples, Florida; and Teresa Smith, Crystal Shores Realty, Navarre, Florida, 
 
 
Responding with Comments 
 
 
 
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Appendix 
Residential Lease for Single Family Home andor Duplex 
(FOR A TERM NOT TO EXCEED ONE YEAR) 
A BOX ( 
 ) OR A BLANK SPACE ( ____ ) INDICATES A PROVISION WHERE A CHOICE OR DECISION 
MUST BE MADE BY THE PARTIES. 
THE 
LEASE 
IMPOSES 
IMPORTANT 
LEGAL 
OBLIGATIONS. 
MANY 
RIGHTS 
AND 
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTIES ARE GOVERNED BY CHAPTER 83, PART II, RESIDENTIAL 
LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT, FLORIDA STATUTES. UPON REQUEST, THE LANDLORD SHALL 
PROVIDE A COPY OF THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT TO THE TENANT(S) IS 
ATTACHED TO THIS LEASE. 
 1.  PARTIES. This is a lease ("the Lease") between __________________________________ (name & address of 
owner 
of 
the 
property) 
________________________________________ 
(“Landlord”) 
and 
____________________________________________________________ (name(s) of person(s) to whom the 
property is leased) ____________________________________________________ (“Tenant.”) 
Landlord’s E-mail address: 
_________________________ 
Landlord’s Telephone Number:  
_________________________ 
Tenant’s E-mail address: 
_________________________ 
Tenant’s Telephone Number:  
_________________________ 
 
2. 
PROPERTY 
RENTED. 
Landlord 
leases 
to 
Tenant 
the 
land 
and 
buildings 
located 
at 
_______________________________________________ (street address) , Florida ______________ (zip code) 
together with the following furniture and appliances [List all furniture and appliances. If none, write "none."] (In the 
Lease, the property leased, including furniture and appliances, if any, is called "the Premises"): 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
The Premises shall be occupied only by the Tenant and the following persons: 
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________. 
 
 3. TERM. This is a lease for a term, not to exceed twelve months, beginning on ______________________ 
(month, day, year) and ending  ________________________ (month, day, year) (the "Lease Term").  
  4. RENT PAYMENTS, TAXES AND CHARGES. 
Tenant shall pay total rent in the amount of $ _________  (excluding taxes) for the Lease Term. The rent shall 
be payable by Tenant in advance in installments or in full as provided in the options below: 
  in installments. If in installments, rent shall be payable 
  monthly, on the ______________ day of each month. (Ifif left blank, on the first day of each 
month.) in the amount of $__________ per installment.  
OR 
  weekly, on the ____________ day of each week. (If left blank, on Monday of each week.) in the 
amount of $ _____________  per installment. 
 
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  per installment.in full on ___________________________   (date) in the amount of $ 
_____________________. 
Tenant shall also be obligated to pay taxes on the rent when applicable in the amount of $ _____________ 
 with 
each rent installment 
 with the rent for the full term of the Lease. Landlord will notify Tenant if the amount of the 
tax changes. 
Payment Summary 
 If rent is paid in installments, the total payment per installment including taxes shall be in the 
amount of $_______________. 
 If rent is paid in full, the total payment including taxes shall be in the amount of 
$_________________. 
 
All 
rent 
payments 
shall 
be 
payable 
to 
_________________________________ 
(name) 
at 
______________________________________(address).  (If left blank, to Landlord at Landlord’s address). 
 If the tenancy starts on a day other than the first day of the month or week as designated above, the rent shall 
be prorated from __________ (date) through ________________(date)in the amount of $____________  
and shall be due on___________ (date) (If rent paid monthly, prorate on a 30 day month.)  
Tenant shall make rent payments required under the Lease by (choose all applicable) 
 cash, 
 personal check, 
 money order, 
 cashier’s check, or 
 other  ______________________________(specify).  If payment is 
accepted by any means other than cash, payment is not considered made until the other instrument is collected. 
If Tenant makes a rent payment with a worthless check, Landlord can require Tenant 
 to pay all future payments 
by 
 money order, cashier’s check or official bank check or 
 cash or other (specify), and 
 to pay bad check 
fees in the amount of $____________ (not to exceed the amount prescribed by Section 68.065, Florida Statutes 
section 68.065). 
  5. MONEY DUE PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY.  Tenant shall pay the sum of $__________ in accordance with this 
Paragraphparagraph prior to occupying the Premises. Tenant shall not be entitled to move in or to keys to the 
Premises until all money due prior to occupancy has been paid. If no date is specified below, then funds shall be due 
prior to tenantTenant occupancy. Any funds designated in this paragraph due after occupancy, shall be paid 
accordingly. Any funds due under this paragraph shall be payable to Landlord at Landlord’s address or to  
________________________________________________________________________ 
(name) 
at  
________________________________________________________________________  
(address) 
 
First  
 month’s  
   week’s rent plus applicable taxes  
$ 
due 
 
Prorated rent plus applicable taxes 
$ 
due 
 
Advance rent for 
 month 
 week of ______________ 
 
plus applicable taxes 
 
$ 
 
due 
 
Last 
 month’s 
 week’s rent plus applicable taxes 
$ 
Due
due 
 
Security deposit 
$ 
due 
 
Additional security deposit 
$ 
due 
 
Security deposit for homeowner’s association 
$ 
due 
 
Pet Deposit 
$ 
due 
 
Other______________________________________ 
$ 
due 
 
Other ______________________________________ 
$ 
due 
 
 
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  6. LATE FEES. (Complete if applicable)  In addition to rent, Tenant shall pay a late charge in the amount of $ 
_______________ (If left blank, 4% of the rent payment) for each rent payment made ___________ days after the 
day it is due (if left blank, 5 days if rent is paid monthly, 1 day if rent is paid weekly). 
  7. PETS AND SMOKING. Tenant  Unless this box 
 may is checked or a pet deposit is paid, Tenant may not 
keep pets or animals on the Premises. If Tenant may keep pets, the pets described in this Paragraphparagraph are 
permitted 
on 
the 
Premises.  
____________________________________________________________________________  
(Specify number of pets, type(s), breed, maximum adult weight of pets.) 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
(Specify number of pets, type(s), breed, maximum adult weight of pets.) 
Unless this box 
 is checked, no smoking is permitted in the Premises. 
  8. NOTICES. 
____________________________________________________is Landlord’s Agent. All notices must be sent to 
 Landlord _______________________ at___________________________________________ 
   Landlord’s Agent ________________ at __________________________________________ 
 
unless Landlord gives Tenant written notice of a change. All notices of such names and addresses or changes thereto 
shall be delivered to the Tenant's residence or, if specified in writing by the Tenant, to any other address. All notices 
to the Landlord or the Landlord's Agent (whichever is specified above) shall be given by U.S. mail or by hand 
delivery. 
Any notice to Tenant shall be given by U.S. mail or delivered to Tenant at the Premises. If Tenant is absent from the 
Premises, a notice to Tenant may be given by leaving a copy of the notice at Premises. 
  9. UTILITIES.  Tenant shall pay for all utilities services during the Lease Term and connection charges and 
deposits for activating existing utility connections to the Premises except for __________________________, that 
Landlord agrees to provide at Landlord’s expense (If blank, then “NONE”). 
  10. MAINTENANCE. 
Landlord shall be responsible for compliance with Section 83.51, Florida Statutes, and shall be responsible for 
maintenance and repair of the Premises, unless otherwise stated below:  (Fill in each blank space with “Landlord" 
for Landlord or “Tenant" for Tenant, if left blank, Landlord will be responsible for the item): 
 
roofs 
 
windows 
 
screens 
 
steps 
 
doors 
 
floors 
 
porches 
 
exterior walls 
 
foundations 
 
plumbing 
 
structural components 
 
heating 
 
hot water 
 
running water 
 
locks and keys 
 
electrical system 
 
 
 
cooling 
 
smoke detection devices 
 
garbage removal/ outside receptacles 
 
 
 
 
 
extermination of rats, mice, roaches, ants and bedbugs 
 
 
 
 
extermination of wood-destroying organisms 
 
 
 
 
 
lawn/shrubbery 
 
pool/spa/hot tub 
 
 
 
 
 
wa t e r  tre at me n t  
 
filters (specify) 
 
 
 
 
ceilings 
 
interior walls 
 
 
 
 
 
Other (specify) 
______________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
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Tenant shall notify _________________________________ (name) at _________________________(address) (if 
left blank, Landlord at Landlord’s address) and ____________________________________ (telephone number) of 
maintenance and repair requests. 
  11. ASSIGNMENT.  Unless this box 
 is checked, Tenant  may  may not assign the leaseLease or sublease all 
or any part of the Premises without first obtaining the Landlord’s written approval and consent to the assignment or 
sublease. 
  12. KEYS AND LOCKS. Landlord shall furnish Tenant 
 
# of sets of keys to the dwelling 
 
# of mail box keys 
 
# of garage door openers 
 
 
If there is a homeowner’s association, Tenant will be provided with the following to access the association’s 
common areas/facilities: 
 
 
# of keys to ___________________________________________________ 
 
# of remote controls to __________________________________________ 
 
# of electronic cards to __________________________________________ 
_______________ other (specify) to________________________________________ 
 
At end of Lease Term, all items specified in this Paragraphparagraph shall be returned to 
____________________________ (name) at __________________________________________ (address) (If left 
blank, Landlord at Landlord’s address). 
  13. LEAD-BASED PAINT. U
 Check and complete if the dwelling was built before January 1, 1978. Lead 
Warning Statement (when used in this article, the term Lessor refers to Landlord and the term Lessee refers to 
Tenant) 
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health 
hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. 
Before renting pre-1978 housing, lessorsLessors must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and/or lead-
based paint hazards in the dwelling. Lessees must also receive a federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning 
prevention. 
Lessor's Disclosure (initial) 
______ 
Presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards (check (i) or (ii) below): 
 
_____  Known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards are present in the housing 
(explain). 
___________________________________________________________________________________ 
___________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
(ii) _____  Lessor has no knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the 
housing 
______ 
Records and reports available to the lessorLessor (check (i) or (ii) below): 
 
______  Lessor has provided the lessee with all available records and reports pertaining to 
lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing (list documents below). 
___________________________________________________________________________________ 
___________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
______  Lessor has no reports or records pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint 
hazards in the housing. 
 
Lessee's Acknowledgment (initial) 
 
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______ 
Lessee has received copies of all information listed above. 
______ 
Lessee has received the pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home. 
 
Agent's Acknowledgment (initial) 
 
_____  
Agent has informed the lessorLessor of the lessorLessor's obligations under 42 U.S.C. 4852d and is 
aware of his/her responsibility to ensure compliance. 
  
Certification of Accuracy 
The following parties have reviewed the information above and certify, to the best of their knowledge, that the 
information provided by the signatory is true and accurate. 
Lessor’s signature 
Date 
Lessor’s signature 
Date 
Lessee’s signature 
Date 
Lessee’s signature 
Date 
Agent’s signature 
Date 
Agent’s signature 
Date 
   
 14. MILITARY/U.S. CIVIL SERVICE.   Check if applicable. SERVICEMEMBER.  If Tenant is a 
member of the United States Armed Forces on active duty or state active duty or a member of the Florida National 
Guard or United States Reserve Forces, the Tenant has rights to terminate the Lease as provided in Section 83.682, 
Florida Statutes, the provisions of which can be found in the attachment to this Lease. 
In the event Tenant, who is in the Military/U.S. Civil Service, should receive government orders 
for permanent change of duty station requiring Tenant to relocate away from the Premises, then 
Tenant may terminate the Lease without further liability by giving Landlord 30 days advance 
written notice and a copy of the transfer order. 
  15. LANDLORD’S ACCESS TO THE PREMISES.  As provided in Chapter 83, Part II, Residential 
Landlord and Tenant Act, Florida Statutes, Landlord or Landlord’s Agent may enter the Premises in the 
following circumstances: 
At any time for the protection or preservation of the Premises. 
After reasonable notice to Tenant at reasonable times for the purpose of repairing the Premises. 
To inspect the Premises; make necessary or agreed-upon repairs, decorations, alterations, or 
improvements; supply agreed services; or exhibit the Premises to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, 
tenants, workers, or contractors under any of the following circumstances: 
with Tenant’s consent; 
in case of emergency; 
when Tenant unreasonably withholds consent; or 
 
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if Tenant is absent from the Premises for a period of at least one-half a Rental 
Installmentrental installment period. (If the rent is current and Tenant notifies Landlord of an intended absence, 
then Landlord may enter only with Tenant’s consent or for the protection or preservation of the Premises.) 
  16. HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION. If Tenant must be approved by a homeowner’s association 
(“association”), Landlord and Tenant agree that the Lease is contingent upon receivingIF 
TENANT MUST BE APPROVED BY A HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION (“ASSOCIATION”), 
LANDLORD AND TENANT AGREE THAT THE LEASE IS CONTINGENT UPON RECEIVING 
APPROVAL 
FROM 
THE 
ASSOCIATION. 
ANY 
APPLICATION 
FEE 
REQUIRED 
BY 
AN 
ASSOCIATION SHALL BE PAID BY 
LANDLORD 
 TENANT. IF SUCH APPROVAL IS NOT 
OBTAINED PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF LEASE TERM, EITHER PARTY MAY TERMINATE 
THE LEASE BY WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE OTHER GIVEN AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO APPROVAL 
BY THE ASSOCIATION, AND IF THE LEASE IS TERMINATED, TENANT SHALL RECEIVE RETURN 
OF DEPOSITS SPECIFIED IN ARTICLE 5, IF MADE.  If the Lease is not terminated, rent shall abate until the 
approval is obtained from the association. Any application fee required by an association shall be paid 
by Landlord  Tenant and is  refundable  nonrefundable. If such approval is not obtained prior to 
commencement of Lease Term, Tenant shall receive return of deposits specified in Paragraph 5, 
if made, and the obligations of the parties under the Lease shall terminate. Tenant agrees to use due 
diligence in applying for association approval, and to comply with the requirements for obtaining approval and 
agrees to pay any fee required by the association for procuring approval. 
Landlord 
Tenant shall 
pay the security deposit required by the association, if applicable. 
  17. USE OF THE PREMISES. Tenant shall use the Premises for residential purposes. Tenant shall have 
exclusive use and right of possession to the dwelling. The Premises shall be used so as to comply with all state, 
county, municipal laws and ordinances, and all covenants and restrictions affecting the Premises and all rules and 
regulations of homeowners’ associations affecting the Premises. Tenant may not paint or make any alterations or 
improvements to the Premises without first obtaining the Landlord’s written consent to the alteration or 
improvement.    However, unless this box 
 is checked, Tenant may hang pictures and install window treatments in 
the Premises without Landlord’s consent, provided Tenant removes all such items before the end of the Lease Term 
and repairs all damage resulting from the removal.  Any improvements or alterations to the Premises made by the 
Tenant shall become Landlord’s property. Tenant agrees not to use, keep, or store on the Premises any dangerous, 
explosive, toxic material which would increase the probability of fire or which would increase the cost of insuring 
the Premises. 
  18. RISK OF LOSS/INSURANCE. 
Landlord and Tenant shall each be responsible for loss, damage, or injury caused by its own 
negligence or willful conduct. 
Tenant should carry insurance covering Tenant’s personal property and Tenant’s liability 
insurance. 
19.  PROHIBITED ACTS BY LANDLORD. Landlord is prohibited from taking certain actions as described in 
Section 83.67, Florida Statutes, the provisions of which can be found in the attachment to this Lease. 
20.  CASUALTY DAMAGE. If the Premises are damaged or destroyed other than by wrongful or negligent acts of 
Tenant or persons on the Premises with Tenant’s consent, so that the use of the Premises is substantially impaired, 
Tenant may terminate the Lease within 30 days after the damage or destruction and Tenant will immediately vacate 
the Premises. If Tenant vacates, Tenant is not liable for rent that would have been due after the date of termination. 
Tenant may vacate the part of the Premises rendered unusable by the damage or destruction, in which case Tenant’s 
liability for rent shall be reduced by the fair rental value of the part of the Premises that was damaged or destroyed. 
21.19.   DEFAULTS/REMEDIES.  Should a party to the Lease fail to fulfill their responsibilities under the Lease 
 
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or need to determine whether there has been a default of the Lease, refer to Part II, Chapter 83, entitled Florida 
Residential Landlord and Tenant Act which contains information on same,defaults and/or remedies available.  A 
copy of the current version of this Act is attached to the partiesLease. 
22.20.   SUBORDINATION. The Lease is automatically subordinate to the lien of any mortgage encumbering the 
fee title to the Premises from time to time. 
23.21.   LIENS. Tenant shall not have the right or authority to encumber the Premises or to permit 
any person to claim or assert any lien for the improvement or repair of the Premises made by 
Tenant.THE INTEREST OF THE LANDLORD SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO LIENS FOR 
IMPROVEMENTS MADE BY THE TENANT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 713.10, FLORIDA 
STATUTES.  Tenant shall notify all parties performing work on the Premises at Tenant’s request that the Lease 
does not allow any liens to attach to Landlord’s interest. 
24.22.   RENEWAL/EXTENSION. The Lease can be renewed or extended only by a written agreement signed by 
both Landlord and Tenant, but the term of a renewal or extension together with the original Lease Term may not 
exceed one year. A new lease is required for each year. 
23.   TENANT’S PERSONAL PROPERTY.  BY SIGNING THIS RENTAL AGREEMENT, 
TENANT AGREES THAT UPON SURRENDER OR ABANDONMENT, AS DEFINED BY 
THE FLORIDA STATUTES, LANDLORD SHALL NOT BE LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE 
FOR STORAGE OR DISPOSITION OF TENANT’S PERSONAL PROPERTY. 
25.24.   TENANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER. Tenant shall, within 5 business days of obtaining telephone 
services at the Premises, send written notice to Landlord of Tenant’s telephone numbers at the Premises. 
26.25.  ATTORNEY'SATTORNEYS' FEES. In any lawsuit brought to enforce the Lease or under applicable 
law, the party who winsin whose favor a judgment or decree has been rendered may recover its reasonable court 
costs and attorney's, including attorneys’ fees, from the non-prevailing party who loses. 
27.26.  MISCELLANEOUS. 
Time is of the essence of the performance of each party’s obligations under the Lease. 
The Lease shall be binding upon and for the benefit of the heirs, personal representatives, 
successors, and permitted assigns of Landlord and Tenant, subject to the requirements specifically mentioned in the 
Lease. Whenever used, the singular number shall include the plural or singular and the use of any gender shall 
include all appropriate genders. 
The agreements contained in the Lease set forth the complete understanding of the parties and may 
not be changed or terminated orally. 
No agreement to accept surrender of the Premises from Tenant will be valid unless in writing and 
signed by Landlord. 
All questions concerning the meaning, execution, construction, effect, validity, and enforcement of 
the Lease shall be determined pursuant to the laws of Florida. 
A facsimile copy of the Lease and any signatures hereon shall be considered for all purposes 
originals. 
 
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As required by law, Landlord makes the following disclosure: "RADON GAS." Radon is a 
naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when it has accumulated in a building in sufficient quantities, may present 
health risks to persons who are exposed to it over time. Levels of radon that exceed federal and state guidelines have 
been found in buildings in Florida. Additional information regarding radon and radon testing may be obtained from 
your county health department. 
28.27.   BROKERS’ COMMISSION. IJ
 Check and complete if applicable. The brokerage companies named 
below will be paid the commission set forth in this Paragraphparagraph by 0
 Landlord  0
 Tenant for 
procuring a tenant for this transaction. 
_____________________________________ 
Real Estate Licensee 
 
_____________________________________ 
Real Estate Licensee 
_____________________________________ 
Real Estate Brokerage Company 
 
_____________________________________ 
Real Estate Brokerage Company 
_____________________________________ 
Commission 
_____________________________________ 
Commission 
 
29.  TENANT’S PERSONAL PROPERTY.  TENANT MUST INITIAL IN THIS BOX 
 FOR THE 
FOLLOWING PROVISION TO APPLY.  BY SIGNING THIS RENTAL AGREEMENT, THE TENANT 
AGREES THAT UPON SURRENDER, ABANDONMENT, OR RECOVERY OF POSSESSION OF THE 
DWELLING UNIT DUE TO THE DEATH OF THE LAST REMAINING TENANT, AS PROVIDED BY 
CHAPTER 83, FLORIDA STATUTES, THE LANDLORD SHALL NOT BE LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR 
STORAGE OR DISPOSITION OF THE TENANT’S PERSONAL PROPERTY. 
The Lease has been executed by the parties on the dates indicated below. 
 
28.   EXECUTION. Executed by Landlord 
_____________________________________ 
Landlord's Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________________ 
Landlord's Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________________ 
Landlord's Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________________ 
Tenant’s Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________________ 
Tenant’s Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
 
 
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This form was completed with the assistance of:  
 
Name of Individual: __________________________________________ 
Name of Business: ___________________________________________ 
Address: ___________________________________________________ 
Telephone Number:__________________________________________ 
 
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Copy of Current Version of Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act,  
Part II, Chapter 83, Florida Statutes to Be Attached 
 
- 14 - 
EARLY TERMINATION FEE/LIQUIDATED DAMAGES ADDENDUM 
[....] I agree, as provided in the rental agreement, to pay $_______ (an amount that does not exceed 2 months' rent) 
as liquidated damages or an early termination fee if I elect to terminate the rental agreement and the landlord waives 
the right to seek additional rent beyond the month in which the landlord retakes possession. 
 
[   ] I do not agree to liquidated damages or an early termination fee, and I acknowledge that the landlord may seek 
damages as provided by law. 
 
 
 
_____________________________________ 
Landlord's Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________________ 
Landlord's Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________________ 
Landlord's Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________________ 
Tenant’s Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________________ 
Tenant’s Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
 
 
 
 
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RESIDENTIAL LEASE FOR APARTMENT OR UNIT IN MULTI-FAMILY RENTAL  
HOUSING (OTHER THAN A DUPLEX) INCLUDING A MOBILE HOME 
, CONDOMINIUM, OR COOPERATIVE (FOR A TERM NOT TO EXCEED ONE YEAR) 
(Not To Be Used For Commercial, Agricultural, or Other Residential Property) 
WARNING: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO READ ALL OF THE LEASE CAREFULLY. THE LEASE IMPOSES 
IMPORTANT LEGAL OBLIGATIONS. 
AN ASTERISK (*) OR A BLANK SPACE (__________) INDICATES A PROVISION WHERE A CHOICE OR 
A DECISION MUST BE MADE BY THE PARTIES.  
NO CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO THIS FORM MAY BE MADE UNLESS A LAWYER IS CONSULTED. 
 I. TERM AND PARTIES. This is a lease ("the “Lease") for a period of __________ [number] months (the "Lease 
Term"), 
beginning 
_________________________________________ 
[month, 
day, 
year] 
and 
ending  
____________________________[month, day, year], between __________________________________________ 
[name of owner of the property] and  ___________________________________ [name(s) of person(s) to whom the 
property is leased] (In the Lease, the owner, whether one or more, of the property is called "Landlord." All persons 
to whom the property is leased are called "Tenant.") 
Landlord’s E-mail address: 
_________________________ 
Landlord’s Telephone Number:  
_________________________ 
Tenant’s E-mail address: 
_________________________ 
Tenant’s Telephone Number:  
_________________________ 
 
II.  PROPERTY RENTED. Landlord leases to Tenant the apartment or unit no. _____________ in the building 
located 
at 
_____________________________________________________ 
[street 
address] 
known 
as 
_______________________________[name of apartment or condominium], ____________________[city], Florida 
________________[zip code] together with the following furniture and appliances: 
____________________________________________________________________________________________ 
____________________________________________________________________________________________ 
____________________________________________________________________________________________ 
[List all furniture and appliances. If none, write "none."] (In the Lease the property leased, including furniture and 
appliances, if any, is called "the Premises.") 
 III. COMMON AREAS. Landlord grants to Tenant permission to use, during the Lease Term, along with others, 
the common areas of the building and the development of which the Premises are a part. 
 IV. RENT PAYMENTS AND CHARGES. Tenant shall pay rent for the Premises in installments of $_________ 
each on the _______ day of each ________________________________________ [month, week] (Aa "Rental 
Installment Period," as used in the Lease, shall be a month if rent is paid monthly, and a week if rent is paid weekly.) 
Tenant shall pay with each rent payment all taxes imposed on the rent by taxing authorities. The amount of taxes 
payable on the beginning date of the Lease is $__________ for each installment. The amount of each installment of 
rent plus taxes ("the Lease Payment"), as of the date the Lease begins, is $_____________. Landlord will notify 
Tenant if the amount of the tax changes. Tenant shall pay the rent and all other charges required to be paid under the 
Lease by cash, valid check, or money order. Landlord may appoint an agent to collect the Lease Payment and to 
perform Landlord's obligations. 
*TheUnless this box 
 is checked, the Lease Payments must be paid in advance / in arrears (circle one) 
beginning _____________________ [date]. 
 
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If the tenancy starts on a day other than the first day of the month or week as designated above, the rent 
shall be prorated from __________________ (date) through _____________________ (date) in the amount of 
$___________________ and shall be due on ____________________ (date) (If rent paid monthly, prorate on a 30 
day month.) 
V. DEPOSITS, ADVANCE RENT, AND LATE CHARGES. In addition to the Lease Payments described above, 
Tenant shall pay the following: (check only those items that apply) 
 
a security deposit of $ __________ to be paid upon signing the Lease. 
 
advance rent in the amount of $___________for the Rental Installment Periods of to be paid 
upon signing the Lease. 
 
a pet deposit in the amount of $______________to be paid upon signing the Lease. 
 
a late charge in the amount of $____________________ for each Lease Payment made more 
than ________________________________________________________ 
number of 
days after the date it is due. 
 
a bad check fee in the amount of $______________ (not to exceed $20.00, or 5% of the Lease 
Payment, whichever is greater) if Tenant makes any Lease Payment with a bad check. If 
Tenant makes any Lease Payment with a bad check, Landlord can require Tenant to pay all 
future Lease Payments in cash or by money order. 
 
Other: _____________________________________________________. 
 
Other: _____________________________________________________. 
 
VI.  SECURITY DEPOSITS AND ADVANCE RENT. If Tenant has paid a security deposit or advance rent the 
following provisions apply: 
Landlord shall hold the money in a separate interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing account in a Florida 
banking institution for the benefit of Tenant. If Landlord deposits the money in an interest-bearing account, 
Landlord must pay Tenant interest of at least 75% of the annualized average interest paid by the bank or 5% per year 
simple interest, whichever Landlord chooses. Landlord cannot mix such money with any other funds of Landlord or 
pledge, mortgage, or make any other use of such money until the money is actually due to Landlord; or 
Landlord must post a surety bond in the manner allowed by law. If Landlord posts the bond, Landlord shall 
pay Tenant 5% interest per year. 
At the end of the Lease, Landlord will pay Tenant, or credit against rent, the interest due to Tenant. No 
interest will be due Tenant if Tenant wrongfully terminates the Lease before the end of the Lease Term. 
If Landlord rents 5 or more dwelling units, then within 30 days of Tenant’s payment of the advance rent or 
any security deposit, Landlord must notify Tenant in writing of the manner in which Landlord is holding such 
money, the interest rate, if any, that Tenant will receive, and when such payments will be made. 
VII.  NOTICES. _________________________________[name] is Landlord’s Agent. All notices to Landlord and 
all 
Lease 
Payments 
must 
be 
sent 
to 
Landlord’s 
Agent 
at 
___________________________________________________[address], unless Landlord gives Tenant written 
notice of a change. Landlord’s Agent may perform inspections on behalf of Landlord, subject to Article XII 
below. All notices to Landlord shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by hand delivery to 
Landlord or Landlord’s Agent. 
Any notice to Tenant shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested, or delivered to Tenant at the 
Premises. If Tenant is absent from the Premises, a notice to Tenant may be given by leaving a copy of the notice at 
the Premises. 
VIII.  USE OF PREMISES. Tenant shall use the Premises only for residential purposes. Tenant also shall obey, 
and require anyone on the Premises to obey, all laws and any restrictions that apply to the Premises. Landlord will 
give Tenant notice of any restrictions that apply to the Premises. 
If the Premises are located in a condominium or cooperative development, the Lease and Tenant’s rights 
under it, including as to the common areas, are subject to all terms of the governing documents for the project, 
 
 
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including, without limitation, any Declaration of Condominium or proprietary lease, and any restrictions, rules, and 
regulations now existing or hereafter adopted, amended, or repealed. 
Unless this box 
 is checked, Landlord may / may not (circle one) adopt, modify, or repeal rules and 
regulations for the use of common areas and conduct on the Premises during the Lease Term. If adoption, 
modification, or repeal of additional  All rules and regulations is not permitted, they must be reasonable and in the 
best interest of the development in which the Premises are located. 
Occasional overnight guests are / are not (circle one) permitted. An occasional overnight guest is one who 
does not stay more than  _______ nights in any calendar month (If left blank, 7). Landlord’s written approval is / is 
not (circle one) required to allow anyone else to occupy the Premises. 
Unless this box 
 is checked or a pet deposit has been paid, Tenant may / may not (circle one) keep or 
allow pets or animals on the Premises without Landlord’s approval of the pet or animal in writing. 
Unless this box 
 is checked, no smoking is permitted in the Premises. 
Tenant shall not keep any dangerous or flammable items that might increase the danger of fire or damage 
on the Premises without Landlord’s consent. 
Tenant shall not create any environmental hazards on or about the Premises. 
Tenant shall not destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the Premises belonging to 
Landlord, nor permit any person to do so. 
Tenant may / may not (circle one) make any alterations or improvements to the Premises without first 
obtaining Landlord’s written consent to the alteration or improvement.  However, unless this box 
 is checked, 
Tenant may hang pictures and install window treatments in the Premises without Landlord’s consent, provided 
Tenant removes all such items before the end of the Lease Term and repairs all damage resulting from the removal. 
Tenant must act, and require all other persons on the Premises to act, in a manner that does not 
unreasonably disturb any neighbors or constitute a breach of the peace. 
IX.  MAINTENANCE. Landlord and Tenant agree that the maintenance of the Premises must be performed by the 
person indicated below: 
Landlord’s Required Maintenance. Landlord will comply with applicable building, housing, and health 
codes relating to the Premises. If there are no applicable building, housing, or health codes, Landlord shall maintain 
and repair the roofs, porches, windows, exterior walls, screens, foundations, floors, structural components, and steps, 
and keep the plumbing in reasonable working order.  If the Premises are located in a condominium, Landlord and 
Tenant acknowledge that the maintenance of the structural elements and common areas is performed by the 
condominium association as part of the common area maintenance.  Landlord shall assure that the association 
complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes relating to the Premises.  If there are no applicable 
building, housing, or health codes, Landlord shall assure that the association maintains and repairs roofs, porches, 
windows, exterior walls, screens, foundations, floors, structural components, and steps, and keeps the plumbing in 
reasonable working order.  Landlord will be responsible for the maintenance of any items listed above for which the 
association is not responsible. 
Elective Maintenance. Fill in each blank space in this section with Landlord or Tenant to show who will 
take care of the item noted. If a space is left blank, Landlord will be required to take care of that item (or assure that 
the association takes care of the items if the Premises are located in a condominium). 
 
Smoke detectors 
 
Extermination of rats, mice, roaches, ants, wood-destroying organisms, 
and bedbugs 
 
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Locks and keys 
 
Clean and safe condition of outside areas 
 
Garbage removal and outside garbage receptacles 
 
Running water 
 
Hot Water 
 
Lawn 
 
Heat 
 
Air conditioning 
 
Furniture 
 
Appliances 
 
Fixtures 
 
Pool (including filters, machinery, and equipment) 
 
Heating and air conditioning filters 
 
Other: ___________________________ 
 
Tenant’s responsibility, if any, indicated above, shall / shall not (circle one) include major maintenance or 
major replacement of equipment.  
Landlord shall be responsible for major maintenance or major replacement of equipment, except for 
equipment for which Tenant has accepted responsibility for major maintenance or major replacement in the previous 
paragraph. 
Major maintenance or major replacement means a repair or replacement that costs more than 
$______________________. 
Tenant shall be required to vacate the Premises on 7 days’ written notice, if necessary, for extermination 
pursuant to this subparagraph. When vacation of the Premises is required for extermination, Landlord shall not be 
liable for damages but shall abate the rent. 
Nothing in this section makes Landlord responsible for any condition created or caused by the negligent or 
wrongful act or omission of Tenant, any member of Tenant’s family, or any other person on the Premises with 
Tenant’s consent. 
Tenant’s Required Maintenance. At all times during the Lease Term, Tenant shall: 
comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building, housing, 
and health codes; 
keep the Premises clean and sanitary; 
remove all garbage from the dwelling unit in a clean and sanitary manner; 
keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit clean, sanitary, and in repair; and 
use and operate in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air 
conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators. 
X.  UTILITIES. Tenant shall pay all charges for hook-up, connection, and deposit for providing all utilities and 
utility services to the Premises during this leasethe Lease Term except__________________________________, 
which Landlord agrees to provide at Landlord’s expense.  (Specify any utilities to be provided and paid for by 
Landlord such as water, sewer, oil, gas, electricity, telephone, garbage removal, etc.). 
XI  SERVICEMEMBER.   
 
 
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If Tenant is a member of the United States Armed Forces on active duty or state active duty or a member of 
the Florida National Guard or United States Reserve Forces, the Tenant has rights to terminate the Lease as provided 
in Section 83.682, Florida Statutes, the provisions of which can be found in the attachment to this Lease. 
XII.XI.   LANDLORD’S ACCESS TO PREMISES. Landlord or Landlord’s Agent may enter the Premises in 
the following circumstances: 
At any time for the protection or preservation of the Premises. 
After reasonable notice to Tenant at reasonable times for the purpose of repairing the Premises. 
To inspect the Premises; make necessary or agreed-upon repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements; 
supply agreed services; or exhibit the Premises to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or 
contractors under any of the following circumstances: 
with Tenant’s consent; 
in case of emergency; 
when Tenant unreasonably withholds consent; or 
if Tenant is absent from the Premises for a period of at least one-half a Rental Installment Period. 
(If the rent is current and Tenant notifies Landlord of an intended absence, then Landlord may enter only with 
Tenant’s consent or for the protection or preservation of the Premises.) 
XIII.XII.   PROHIBITED ACTS BY LANDLORD. Landlord is prohibited from taking certain actions as 
described in Section 83.67, Florida Statutes, the provisions of which can be found in the attachment to this Lease. 
A. 
Landlord cannot cause, directly or indirectly, the termination or unreasonable interruption of any 
utility service furnished to Tenant, including, but not limited to, water, heat, light, electricity, gas, elevator, garbage 
collection, or refrigeration (whether or not the utility service is under the control of, or payments made by, 
Landlord). 
B. 
Landlord cannot prevent Tenant’s access to the Premises by any means, including, but not limited 
to, changing the locks or using any bootlock or similar device. 
C. 
Landlord cannot remove the outside doors, locks, roof, walls, or windows of the Premises except 
for purposes of maintenance, repair, or replacement. Landlord cannot remove Tenant’s personal property from the 
Premises unless the action is taken after surrender, abandonment, or a lawful eviction. If provided in a written 
agreement separate from the Lease, upon surrender or abandonment by Tenant, Landlord shall not be liable or 
responsible for storage or disposition of Tenant’s personal property. (For the purposes of this section, abandonment 
means Tenant is absent from the Premises for at least one-half a Rental installment Period without paying rent or 
giving Landlord reasonable notice of Tenant’s absence.) 
XIV.XIII.   CASUALTY DAMAGE. If the Premises are damaged or destroyed other than by wrongful or 
negligent acts of Tenant or persons on the Premises with Tenant’s consent, so that the use of the Premises is 
substantially impaired, Tenant may terminate the Lease within 30 days after the damage or destruction and Tenant 
will immediately vacate the premisesPremises. If Tenant vacates, Tenant is not liable for rent that would have been 
due after the date of termination. Tenant may vacate the part of the Premises rendered unusable by the damage or 
destruction, in which case Tenant’s liability for rent shall be reduced by the fair rental value of the part of the 
Premises that was damaged or destroyed. 
XIV. 
  DEFAULT. 
 
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A. 
Landlord’s Default. Except as noted below, Landlord will be in default if Landlord fails to comply 
with Landlord’s required maintenance obligations under Section IX(A) or fails to comply with other material 
provisions of the Lease and such failure continues for more than 7 days after Tenant delivers a written notice to 
Landlord that tells Landlord how Landlord has violated the Lease. 
If Landlord’s failure to comply is due to causes beyond the Landlord’s control and if Landlord has made, 
and continues to make, every reasonable effort to correct the problem, the Lease may be altered by the parties, as 
follows: 
1. If Landlord’s failure to comply makes the Premises uninhabitable and Tenant vacates, Tenant 
shall not be liable for rent during the period the Premises remains uninhabitable. 
2. If Landlord’s failure to comply does not make the Premises uninhabitable and Tenant 
continues to occupy the Premises, the rent for the period of noncompliance will be reduced by an amount in 
proportion to the loss of rental value caused by the noncompliance. 
B. 
Tenant’s Default. Tenant will be in default if any of the following occur: 
1. Tenant fails to pay rent when due and the default continues for 3 days, excluding Saturday, 
Sunday, and legal holidays, after delivery of written demand by Landlord for payment of the rent or possession of 
the Premises. 
2. Tenant fails to perform its obligations under the Lease, and the failure is such that Tenant 
should not be given an opportunity to correct it or the failure occurs within 12 months of a written warning by 
Landlord of a similar failure. Examples of such failures which do not require an opportunity to correct include, but 
are not limited to, destruction, damage, or misuse of Landlord’s or other Tenant’s property by an intentional act or a 
subsequent or continued unreasonable disturbance. 
3. Except as provided above, Tenant fails to perform any other obligation under the Lease and 
the default continues for more than 7 days after delivery of written notice to Tenant from Landlord specifying the 
default. 
C. 
Waiver of Default. If Landlord accepts rent knowing of Tenant’s default or accepts performance 
by Tenant of any provision of the Lease different from the performance required by the Lease, or if Tenant pays rent 
knowing of Landlord’s default or accepts performance by Landlord of any provision of the Lease different from the 
performance required by the Lease, the party accepting the rent or performance or making the payment shall not 
have the right to terminate the Lease or to bring a lawsuit for that default, but may enforce any later default. 
  XV. REMEDIES AND DEFENSES.DEFAULTS/REMEDIES.  Should a party to the Lease fail to fulfill their 
responsibilities under the Lease or need to determine whether there has been a default of the Lease, refer to Part II, 
Chapter 83, entitled Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act which contains information on defaults and 
remedies.  A copy of the current version of this Act is attached to the Lease. 
A. 
Tenant’s Remedies. 
1. If Landlord has defaulted under the Lease and if Tenant has given Landlord a written notice 
describing the default and Tenant’s intention to withhold rent if the default is not corrected within 7 days, Tenant 
may withhold an amount of rent equal to the loss in rental value caused by the default. If Tenant’s notice advises 
Landlord that Tenant intends to terminate the lease if the default is not cured within 7 days and the default is not 
cured within the 7 days, Tenant may terminate the Lease. 
2. If Tenant has given the notice referred to in subparagraph (1) above, and if Landlord has not 
corrected the default within 7 days, Tenant may, in 
 
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3. addition to withholding the applicable amount of rent, file a lawsuit in county court to require 
Landlord to correct the default and for damages. 
4. If Landlord’s default makes the Premises uninhabitable, and if Tenant has given Landlord a 
notice describing the default and informing Landlord 
5. that Tenant intends to terminate the Lease, then if Landlord does not cure the default within 
the 7-day period, Tenant may terminate the Lease at 
6. the end of the 7 days. 
7. 4. If Landlord violates the provisions of section XII, Landlord shall be liable to Tenant for 
actual and consequential damages or 3 months’ rent, whichever is greater, for each violation. 
B. 
Landlord’s Remedies. 
1. If Tenant remains on the Premises after expiration or termination of the Lease without 
Landlord’s permission, Landlord may recover possession of the Premises in the manner provided for by law. 
Landlord also may recover double rent for the period during which Tenant refuses to vacate the Premises. 
2. If Tenant defaults under the Lease by failing to pay rent, as set forth in section XIV(B)(1), 
Landlord may terminate Tenant’s rights under the Lease and Tenant shall vacate the Premises immediately. If 
Tenant defaults under the Lease for any other reason, as set forth in sections XIV(B)(2) or (3) above, Landlord may 
terminate Tenant’s rights under the Lease and Tenant shall vacate the Premises within 7 days of delivery of the 
notice of termination. 
3. If Tenant fails to cure a default within the time specified in the notice to Tenant, Landlord 
may recover possession of the Premises as provided by law. 
4. Landlord shall not recover possession of the Premises except: 
a. 
in a lawsuit for possession; 
b. 
when Tenant has surrendered possession of the Premises to Landlord; or 
c. 
when Tenant has abandoned the Premises. Absent actual knowledge of 
abandonment, the Premises shall be considered abandoned if Tenant is absent from them for at least one-half a 
Rental Installment Period, the rent is not current, and Tenant has not notified Landlord, in writing, of an intended 
absence. 
5. If Tenant has defaulted under the Lease and Landlord has obtained a writ of possession, if 
Tenant has surrendered possession of the Premises to Landlord, or if Tenant has abandoned the Premises, Landlord 
may: 
a. 
treat the Lease as terminated, retake possession for Landlord’s own account, and 
any further liability of Tenant will be ended; 
b. 
retake possession of the Premises for Tenant’s account. Tenant will remain 
liable for the difference between rent agreed to be paid under the Lease and rent Landlord is able to recover in good 
faith from a new tenant; or 
c. 
do nothing, and Tenant will be liable for the rent as it comes due. 
6. If Landlord retakes possession of the Premises for Tenant’s account, Landlord must make a 
good faith effort to re-lease the Premises. Any rent received by Landlord as a result of the new lease shall be 
 
 
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deducted from the rent due from Tenant. For purposes of this section, “good faith” in trying to re-lease the Premises 
means that Landlord shall use at least the same efforts to re-lease the Premises as were used in the initial rental or at 
least the same efforts as Landlord uses in attempting to lease other similar property. It does not require Landlord to 
give a preference in leasing the Premises over other vacant properties that Landlord owns or has the responsibility to 
rent. 
C. 
Other Remedies. Each party also may have other remedies available at law or in equity. 
D. 
Defenses. In a lawsuit by Landlord for possession of the Premises based upon nonpayment of rent 
or in a lawsuit by Landlord seeking to obtain unpaid rent, Tenant may assert as a defense Landlord’s failure to 
perform required maintenance, as set forth in Section Vlll(A) above. Landlord’s failure to provide elective 
maintenance, as set forth in Section VIII(B) above, shall not be a defense to any lawsuit by Landlord for possession 
of the Premises unless otherwise provided by the Lease or applicable law. Tenant may also raise any other defense, 
whether legal or equitable, that Tenant may have, including the defense or retaliatory conduct. 
E. 
Payment of Rent to Court. In any lawsuit by Landlord for possession of the Premises, if Tenant 
raises any defense other than payment, Tenant must pay into the registry of the court the past due rent set forth in 
Landlord’s complaint, or an amount determined by the court, and the rent which comes due during the lawsuit, as it 
comes due. Failure of Tenant to pay the rent into the registry of the court will be a waiver of Tenant’s defenses other 
than payment. 
F. 
Attorney’s Fees. In any lawsuit brought to enforce the Lease or under applicable law, the party 
who wins may recover its reasonable court costs and attorneys’ fees from the party who loses. 
  XVI. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLEASING. Unless this box 
 is checked, Tenant may / may not (circle one) 
assign the Lease or sublease all or any part of the Premises without first obtaining Landlord’s written approval and 
consent to the assignment or sublease. 
 XVII. RISK OF LOSS. Subject to the next sentence, Landlord shall / shall not (circle one) be liable for any loss 
by reason of damage, theft, or otherwise to the contents, belongings, and personal effects of the Tenant, or Tenant’s 
family, agents, employees, guests, or visitors located in or about the Premises, or for damage or injury to Tenant or 
Tenant’s family, agents, employees, guests, or visitors. Landlord shall not be liable if such damage, theft, or loss is 
caused by Tenant, Tenant’s family, agents, employees, guests, or visitors. Nothing contained in this provision shall 
relieve Landlord or Tenant from responsibility for loss, damage, or injury caused by its own negligence or willful 
conduct. 
  XVIII. SUBORDINATION. The Lease is automatically subordinate to the lien of any mortgage encumbering 
the fee title to the Premises from time to time. 
  XIX. LIENS. Tenant shall not have the right or authority to encumber the Premises or to permit any person to 
claim or assert any lien for the improvement or repair of the Premises made byThe interest of the Landlord shall not 
be subject to liens for improvements by the Tenant as provided in Section 713.10, Florida Statutes. Tenant shall 
notify all parties performing work on the Premises at Tenant’s request that the Lease does not allow any liens to 
attach to Landlord’s interest. 
  XX. APPROVAL CONTINGENCY. TheIf applicable, the Lease is / is not (circle one) conditioned upon 
approval of Tenant by the association that governs the Premises.  Any application fee required by an association 
shall be paid by 
Landlord 
 Tenant. If such approval is not obtained prior to commencement of Lease Term, 
either party may terminate the Lease by written notice to the other given at any time prior to approval by the 
association, and if the Lease is terminated, Tenant shall receive return of deposits specified in Article V, if made.  If 
the Lease is not terminated, rent shall abate until the approval is obtained from the association. Tenant agrees to use 
due diligence in applying for association approval and to comply with the requirements for obtaining approval. 
Landlord 
Tenant shall pay the security deposit required by the association, if applicable. 
 
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  XXI. RENEWAL/EXTENSION. The Lease can be renewed or extended only by a written agreement signed by 
both Landlord and Tenant, but in no renewal may extend the term to a date more than 1 year after the lease 
beginsevent may the total Lease Term exceed one year. A new lease is required for each year. 
XXII. 
LEAD-BASED PAINT. 
 Check and complete if the dwelling was built before January 1, 1978. Lead 
Warning Statement (when used in this article, the term Lessor refers to Landlord and the term Lessee refers to 
Tenant) 
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health 
hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. 
Before renting pre-1978 housing, Lessors must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and/or lead-based 
paint hazards in the dwelling. Lessees must also receive a federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning 
prevention. 
Lessor's Disclosure (initial) 
______ 
(a) Presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards (check (i) or (ii) below): 
 
(i) _____  Known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards are present in the housing 
(explain). 
___________________________________________________________________________________ 
___________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
(ii) _____  Lessor has no knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the 
housing 
______ (b) Records and reports available to the Lessor (check (i) or (ii) below): 
 
(i) ______  Lessor has provided the lessee with all available records and reports pertaining to 
lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing (list documents below). 
___________________________________________________________________________________ 
___________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
(ii) ______  Lessor has no reports or records pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based 
paint hazards in the housing. 
 
Lessee's Acknowledgment (initial) 
 
______ 
(c) Lessee has received copies of all information listed above. 
______ 
(d) Lessee has received the pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home. 
 
Agent's Acknowledgment (initial) 
 
______ 
(e) 
Agent has informed the Lessor of the Lessor's obligations under 42 U.S.C. 4852d and is aware of 
his/her responsibility to ensure compliance. 
   
Certification of Accuracy 
The following parties have reviewed the information above and certify, to the best of their knowledge, that the 
information provided by the signatory is true and accurate. 
 
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Lessor’s signature 
Date 
Lessor’s signature 
Date 
Lessee’s signature 
Date 
Lessee’s signature 
Date 
Agent’s signature 
Date 
Agent’s signature 
Date 
 
XXIII.  ATTORNEYS’ FEES.  In any lawsuit brought to enforce the Lease or under applicable law, the party  in 
whose favor a judgment or decree has been rendered may recover its reasonable court costs, including attorneys’ 
fees, from the nonprevailing party. 
XXIV.XXII.   MISCELLANEOUS. 
Time is of the essence of the performance of each party’s obligations under the Lease. 
The Lease shall be binding upon and for the benefit of the heirs, personal representatives, successors, and 
permitted assigns of Landlord and Tenant, subject to the requirements specifically mentioned in the Lease. 
Whenever used, the singular number shall include the plural or singular and the use of any gender shall include all 
appropriate genders. 
The agreements contained in the Lease set forth the complete understanding of the parties and may not be 
changed or terminated orally. 
No agreement to accept surrender of the Premises from Tenant will be valid unless in writing and signed by 
Landlord. 
All questions concerning the meaning, execution, construction, effect, validity, and enforcement of the 
Lease shall be determined pursuant to the laws of Florida. 
The place for filing any suits or other proceedings with respect to the Lease shall be the county in which the 
Premises is located. 
Landlord and Tenant will use good faith in performing their obligations under the Lease. 
As required by law, Landlord makes the following disclosure: “RADON GAS.” Radon is a naturally 
occurring radioactive gas that, when it has accumulated in a building in sufficient quantities, may present health 
risks to persons who are exposed to it over time. Levels of radon that exceed federal and state guidelines have been 
found in buildings in Florida. Additional information regarding radon and radon testing may be obtained from your 
county public health unithealth department. 
XXV. 
TENANT’S PERSONAL PROPERTY.  TENANT MUST INITIAL IN THIS BOX 
 FOR THE 
FOLLOWING PROVISION TO APPLY.  BY SIGNING THIS RENTAL AGREEMENT, THE TENANT 
AGREES THAT UPON SURRENDER, ABANDONMENT, OR RECOVERY OF POSSESSION OF THE 
DWELLING UNIT DUE TO THE DEATH OF THE LAST REMAINING TENANT, AS PROVIDED BY 
CHAPTER 83, FLORIDA STATUTES, THE LANDLORD SHALL NOT BE LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR 
STORAGE OR DISPOSITION OF THE TENANT’S PERSONAL PROPERTY. 
The Lease has been executed by the parties on the dates indicated below: Executed by Landlord in the 
presence of:. 
Executed by Landlord in the presence of: 
 
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____________________________________ 
Print Name___________________________ 
 
____________________________________ 
Print Name___________________________ 
 
2 witnesses needed for Landlord 
____________________________________ 
Print Landlord Name 
 
By: _________________________________ 
 
Landlord Signature 
As: _________________________________ 
 
Date: _______________________________ 
 
Executed by Tenant  
in the presence of: 
 
 
____________________________________ 
Print Name___________________________ 
 
____________________________________ 
Print Name___________________________ 
 
____________________________________ 
Print Name___________________________ 
 
____________________________________ 
Print Name___________________________ 
 
2 witnesses needed for each Tenant 
 
_________________________________ 
Tenant’s Signature 
 
__________________________________ 
Print Tenant Name 
 
Date: _____________________________ 
 
_________________________________ 
Tenant’s Signature 
 
__________________________________ 
Print Tenant Name 
 
Date: _____________________________ 
 
_____________________________________ 
Landlord's Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________________ 
Landlord's Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
 
 
_____________________________________ 
Tenant’s Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________________ 
Tenant’s Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
 
Name:  of Individual:___________________________ 
Name of Business:____________________________ 
Address:____________________________________ 
Telephone Number:___________________________ 
 
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Copy of Current Version of Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act,  
Part II, Chapter 83, Florida Statutes to Be Attached 
 
- 27 - 
EARLY TERMINATION FEE/LIQUIDATED DAMAGES ADDENDUM 
[....] I agree, as provided in the rental agreement, to pay $_______ (an amount that does not exceed 2 months' rent) 
as liquidated damages or an early termination fee if I elect to terminate the rental agreement and the landlord waives 
the right to seek additional rent beyond the month in which the landlord retakes possession. 
 
[   ] I do not agree to liquidated damages or an early termination fee, and I acknowledge that the landlord may seek 
damages as provided by law. 
 
 
 
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Landlord's Signature 
 
 
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Date 
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Landlord's Signature 
 
 
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Date 
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Landlord's Signature 
 
 
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Date 
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Tenant’s Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________________ 
Tenant’s Signature 
 
 
__________________________________ 
Date 
 
 
 
 
- 28 - 
FORM  1 - – NOTICE FROM LANDLORD TO TENANT-- – TERMINATION  FOR FAILURE TO PAY RENT 2 
FORM  2 - – NOTICE FROM LANDLORD TO TENANT- - TERMINATION FOR – NOTICE OF 
NONCOMPLIANCE FOR MATTERS OTHER THAN FAILURE TO PAY RENT 
4 
FORM  3 - – NOTICE FROM TENANT TO LANDLORD-- – TERMINATION FOR FAILURE OF LANDLORD 
TO MAINTAIN PREMISES AS REQUIRED BY FLORIDA STATUTE 83.51(1) OR MATERIAL 
PROVISIONS OF THE RENTAL AGREEMENT 
6 
FORM  4 - – NOTICE FROM TENANT TO LANDLORD-- – WITHHOLDING RENT FOR  FAILURE OF 
LANDLORD TO MAINTAIN PREMISES AS REQUIRED BY FLORIDA  STATUTE 83.51(1) OR 
MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF THE RENTAL AGREEMENT 
89 
FORM  5 - – COMPLAINT FOR LANDLORD TO EVICT TENANTS FOR  FAILURE TO PAY RENT AND 
TO RECOVER PAST DUE RENT 
10 11 
FORM 5A –  
COMPLAINT FOR LANDLORD TO EVICT TENANTS FOR  FAILURE OTTO PAY RENT AND 
TO RECOVER PAST DUE RENT 
1011 
FORM  6 - – COMPLAINT FOR LANDLORD TO EVICT TENANTS FOR  FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH 
LEASERENTAL AGREEMENT (OTHER THAN FAILURE TO PAY RENT) 
1516 
FORM  7 –  SUMMONS -– EVICTION CLAIM 
1718 
FORM  8 - – SUMMONS-- – DAMAGES CLAIM 
2021 
FORM  9 - – FINAL JUDGMENT -– DAMAGES 
2223 
FORM 66 - – FINAL JUDGMENT -– EVICTION 
2425 
FORM 11 - – WRIT OF POSSESSION 
2627 
FORM 12 - – NOTICE OF INTENTION TO IMPOSE CLAIM ON SECURITY DEPOSIT 
2829 
FORM 13 - – SATISFACTION OF JUDGMENT -– COUNTY COURT 
3031 
FORM 14 - – SATISFACTION OF JUDGMENT -– CIRCUIT COURT 
3233 
FORM 76 – MOTION FOR CLERK'S DEFAULT – RESIDENTIAL EVICTION 
35 
FORM 77 - – MOTION FOR CLERK'S DEFAULT - – DAMAGES (RESIDENTIAL EVICTION 34) 
35 
FORM 78 - – MOTION FOR CLERK'S DEFAULT - DAMAGES  FINAL JUDGMENT (RESIDENTIAL 
EVICTION) 
3435 
FORM 79 - – MOTION FOR DEFAULT FINAL JUDGMENT  – DAMAGES (RESIDENTIAL EVICTION) 3435 
FORM 80 - MOTION FOR DEFAULT FINAL JUDGMENT – DAMAGES  (RESIDENTIAL EVICTION) 34 
FORM 81 - – AFFIDAVIT OF DAMAGES  35 
FORM 81- – NONMILITARY AFFIDAVIT 
3435 
 
- 29 - 
FORM 1 - NOTICE FROM LANDLORD TO TENANT--TERMINATION  
FOR FAILURE TO PAY RENT 
 
This notice may be delivered by mail or by delivering a copy to the propertydwelling unit, or, if the Tenant is 
absent from the dwelling unit, by leaving a copy thereof at the dwelling unit. 
This notice must be delivered, and the three day time period must run, before starting suit to evict the Tenant 
or to recover past due rent. 
If the Tenant fails to pay rent when due and the default continues for three (3) days (excluding Saturday, 
Sunday, and legal holidays) after delivery of written demand by the Landlord for payment of the rent or 
possession of the premises, the Landlord may terminate the rental agreement.  This written demand is a 
prerequisite to an action to evict the Tenant or recover past due rent.  Your written rental agreement may 
have allowed for a longer period than three days and should be reviewed. 
SOURCE:  Section 83.56(3) and (4), Florida Statutes (19952007). 
FORM