Fraudulent Information on Rental Applications - New Florida Law

Florida PMServices • June 23, 2026

From the Law Offices of Heist, Weisse & Wolk, PLLC

We bring you this update on the Florida law from the Law Offices of Heist, Weisse & Wolk, PLLC, attorneys specializing in Florida Landlord Tenant Law, you can contract them at www.evict.com

Overview

Florida has enacted a major new law that directly impacts rental housing providers: Fraudulent rental applications are now a third-degree felony. This change gives landlords stronger tools to combat identity fraud, fake documents, and deceptive applications that have become increasingly common in the rental market.

New Felony Offense: Fraudulent Entry of a Residential Dwelling Unit

The law creates a new crime for tenants who use false, forged, or misleading information to obtain a rental unit. Examples include:

Fake pay stubs
Forged or altered IDs
Synthetic or stolen identities
False employment or income claims

Anyone who engages in these actions can now be charged with a third-degree felony.

Under the new law, "fraudulent entry" is the act of entering into and taking possession of a residential dwelling unit by giving a landlord false statements regarding identity, false identity documents, or false financial documents, or by impersonating another person.

Source: Florida Senate Bill Summary, CS/HB 1293 — Fraudulent Entry of Residential Dwellings.

Non-Curable Lease Violation

Fraudulent entry is now clearly classified as a non-curable violation, meaning:

Landlords may issue a 7-day notice to vacate
No opportunity to correct the violation is required
Eviction proceedings may begin immediately upon expiration of the 7-day notice.

This clarifies prior law. We were able to evict when there was fraud detected but this makes it crystal clear.

Why the Law Was Passed

Lawmakers were shown the sharp rise in rental application fraud, including:

Fake income documents
Identity theft
Fraudulent employment verification
Online document-forging services

These schemes have caused substantial financial losses for landlords and contributed to instability in rental communities. The new law aims to deter fraud and protect both property owners and legitimate renters.

What This Means for Landlords

Stronger Screening Authority

Landlords now have clearer legal backing to:

Remove fraudulent tenants quicker
Strengthen application screening processes
Verify income and identity more thoroughly

Operational Adjustments

Landlords may want to heavily review and update:

Application procedures
Income verification methods
ID authentication tools
Lease language related to fraud

Effective Date

The law takes effect October 1, 2026, giving landlords time to update policies and screening procedures.

Summary

Florida's new law is one of the strongest in the country for combating rental application fraud. By elevating fraudulent applications to a felony and making it clear that it is a non-curable violation, the state is giving landlords powerful tools to protect their properties and communities.

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September Newsletter - Cost Segregation

By Florida PMServices • September 11, 2026

What is it? A cost segregation study looks at the different parts of a rental property to see which ones can be depreciated faster. This can allow investors to take some deductions sooner instead of spreading them out over the standard 27.5 years. Who uses it? It’s mainly used by real estate investors and property owners who want to claim larger depreciation deductions sooner on their rental properties. A qualified tax professional or cost segregation specialist typically performs the study. Where does it apply? Cost segregation can be used on residential rental properties, including single-family rentals, although whether it makes financial sense depends on the property and the investor's tax situation. The IRS specifically provides guidance for cost segregation studies involving residential rental property. When should investors consider it? It is often considered when purchasing, constructing, or making significant improvements to a rental property. Investors can also look at existing properties, but the potential benefit depends on the property's cost, improvements, and tax circumstances. Why does it matter? The goal is to potentially move some depreciation deductions into earlier years, which can reduce taxable income sooner and potentially improve near-term cash flow. It doesn't create new value in the property, it changes when certain costs may be deducted for tax purposes. Investor Takeaway: A cost segregation study can be worth exploring for investors with higher-value rental properties or significant improvements, but the potential tax benefit varies from property to property. It is recommended to always work with a qualified tax professional to determine whether a study makes sense for your situation.

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