Tallahassee Landlord-Tenant Rules

State preemption of local tenant rules: Florida reserves the regulation of residential tenancies and the landlord-tenant relationship to the state. Its 2023 law supersedes local rules on matters covered by the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, including tenant screening, security deposits, rental fees, lease terms, disclosures and notice requirements. Cities also may not adopt any measure that has the effect of imposing controls on rents. For nearly every landlord-tenant question, state law (see the Florida page) applies.; Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line: Tallahassee's Code Enforcement Division (Housing and Community Resilience) enforces City codes on public nuisances and health and safety hazards. Report a violation through the City's DigiTally app or call 850-891-7007 during business hours (435 N. Macomb St.). Volunteer magistrates and the Code Board hold public hearings and can order compliance.; Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund (eviction prevention): The City runs a Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund that gives landlords some financial assurance when they rent to tenants who are facing eviction or leaving homelessness. Along with financial incentives, the program offers landlords and tenants individualized community-based services meant to reduce turnover and avoid evictions. The City lists partners who help tenants: Big Bend Continuum of Care, United Partners for Human Services, the Leon County Clerk's Low Bono Center, Legal Services of North Florida and the Legal Aid Foundation.; Eviction mediation: The City's Landlord-Tenant Mediation Program has been discontinued. The City now refers renters to legal-aid providers instead.