Fake pay stub. Fake ID. And they already have your keys. As of October 1, 2026, Florida changed the rules for landlords dealing with rental application fraud.
Prefer to read? The key points are below.
What changed under HB 1293
The Florida Legislature passed CS/HB 1293 (Chapter 2026-143) unanimously (House 110–0, Senate 34–0), and the Governor approved it on June 12, 2026. It does two big things for landlords:
1. Rental application fraud is now a felony (§ 817.537, Fla. Stat.)
The new statute makes it a third-degree felony to take possession of a rental by:
- Knowingly lying about your identity on a written rental application
- Giving the landlord forged, fictitious or counterfeit documents, such as a driver license, ID card, bank statement or pay stub
- Impersonating the person named on the application
2. A 7-day termination notice with no chance to cure (§ 83.56(2)(a), Fla. Stat.)
The eviction statute was amended so a landlord may deliver a written notice ending the lease, with 7 days to move out and no opportunity to cure, "regardless of whether criminal proceedings have commenced." You don't need to wait for a criminal case.
What it doesn't do
- Landlords don't file criminal charges. Criminal charges are up to law enforcement and prosecutors.
- It doesn't target honest applicants. The statute covers false identity statements, forged documents and impersonation.
What landlords should still do
The new law helps after the fact. Good screening still prevents the problem in the first place:
- Screen carefully. Check credit, criminal, eviction history and rental references.
- Verify income and ID with the source, not just the paper you're handed.
- Keep copies of everything the applicant submits.
- Send every notice the right way. Florida notice requirements are specific.
- When in doubt, talk to a Florida attorney.
At Belmont Management Group, our screening combines technology with personal review: credit, criminal background, eviction history, income verification and rental references. Learn more about how we protect owners on our Owners page and Tenant Screening page.
Sources
- Florida Senate, CS/HB 1293 (2026)
- Laws of Florida, Chapter 2026-143
- § 817.537, Fla. Stat.
- § 83.56, Fla. Stat.
Key takeaways
- Effective Oct. 1, 2026: rental application fraud (fake identity, forged documents, impersonation) is a third-degree felony under § 817.537.
- Landlords may now serve a 7-day, no-cure written termination notice under § 83.56(2)(a), even if no criminal case has started.
- Criminal charges are handled by police and prosecutors, not the landlord.
- Thorough screening and verified documents are still the best protection.
What could your home rent for?
Get a free rental price analysis from Belmont Management Group. Enter your property address at belmontmanagementgroup.com or call (407) 745-0696. Free, no obligation.
Get my free rental analysis →FAQ
When did HB 1293 take effect?
October 1, 2026.Does a landlord need a criminal case first?
No. § 83.56(2)(a) allows the 7-day notice "regardless of whether criminal proceedings have commenced."Does this affect honest applicants?
The statute covers false identity statements, forged documents and impersonation.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Consult a licensed Florida attorney about your specific situation before serving any notice or filing an eviction.
Belmont Management Group · 1133 Louisiana Avenue, Suite 101, Winter Park, FL 32789 · (407) 745-0696 · Central Florida property management since 2009.
