4 Key Tips to Remember About Leasing Property

By Matty Miller

With a track record defined by precision and local expertise, Matty Miller is a cornerstone of the Jacksonville real estate market. Since 2017, Matty has successfully navigated over 200 real estate transactions, earning his Broker’s license in 2019 to provide a higher tier of service to his clients. Currently overseeing a single-family property portfolio valued at over $50 million, Matty specializes in the strategic management and acquisition of high-value assets across the First Coast. His approach combines deep market data with a boots-on-the-ground understanding of Jacksonville’s unique neighborhoods. Whether working with institutional investors or individual homeowners, Matty delivers the seasoned perspective required to maximize value in Florida's most dynamic coastal markets.

Here’s what you need to know about leasing property in Florida.

When it comes to leasing a property, property owners often think they can do it themselves. To be sure, you are allowed to do it on your own, but if that’s your plan, there are four important factors of leasing property in the state of Florida that you need to remember:

1. Residential leases. It’s preferred that residential leases be for longer than seven months; if they’re shorter than seven months you’ll have to pay sales tax just like a short-term rental. If you want a lease longer than 12 months, like a two-year lease, the lease needs to be signed in person, not online, and the lease will need to be prepared by an attorney.

2. Documentation for lead-based paint. In all leases in Florida, there is a form for documenting the presence of lead-based paint for all homes built before 1978. While the form isn’t required for homes built after that year, you still need to make sure that documentation is taken care of. You don’t need to have radon gas documentation for a lease in Florida.

3. Tenants withholding rent. Can tenants withhold rent? They can in certain situations, such as when a problem they’ve pointed out has gone unaddressed. Mind you, they do need to inform you in writing if they intend to do so.

4. Fair Housing Act. In Florida, the Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. 

If you have any questions about leasing a property in Florida, reach out to me. I’d be glad to help you.