As a Florida real estate attorney with over 12 years of drafting and reviewing residential leases, I’ve helped hundreds of landlords and tenants navigate the state’s specific landlord-tenant laws. One of the most frequent requests I receive is for a reliable, compliant Florida Bar residential lease agreement that incorporates the latest statutory requirements. Today I’m giving you my updated-for-2025 version absolutely free, along with a complete walkthrough of every section so you know exactly why it’s written the way it is.
Before we begin: This article and the attached template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always have your final lease reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney or use the official Florida Bar and FAR/BAR forms when represented by a Realtor®.
Florida Statute Chapter 83 (Florida Residential Landlord-Tenant Act) is one of the most detailed in the nation. Using a generic template from a national website can expose you to liability because it likely misses critical Florida-specific disclosures such as:
The Florida Bar and The Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) jointly publish the most widely accepted FAR/BAR residential lease agreement forms. My template below mirrors the structure, language, and required notices of the official Florida Bar and FAR/BAR forms while remaining completely free for personal and commercial use.
| Feature | Included? | Florida Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit & Interest Compliance | Yes | § 83.49 |
| Radon Gas Disclosure | Yes | § 404.056(5) |
| Mold Disclosure Language | Yes | § 83.51(2) |
| Flood Zone Disclosure (2024+) | Yes | § 83.50 |
| Early Termination for Victims | Yes | § 83.561 |
| Bed Bug Disclosure | Yes | Recommended Best Practice |
| Late Fee & Grace Period Rules | Yes | Compliant with case law |
| Pet Addendum & ESA Language | Optional Add-On | FHA / HUD 2020 Guidance |
Clearly identifies Landlord, Tenant(s), the full legal address, and the exact lease term. Florida law requires the landlord’s name and address for service of process (F.S. 83.50).
Includes late fee language that complies with Florida case law (no late fee can be charged until rent is at least 3 days late in most counties). Also contains the required security deposit notice under F.S. 83.49(2)(d).
One of the most litigated sections in Florida. The template gives you three compliant options:
Source: IRS.gov Publication 527 and Florida Statute 83.49(3)(a).
Tracks F.S. 83.51 obligations exactly: landlord must maintain plumbing, HVAC, locks, etc.; tenant must keep clean and notify of issues within 7 days.
Full section for active-duty military (SCRA) and victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (F.S. 83.561).
Prevailing party clause compliant with F.S. 83.48 – the only state statute that allows automatic attorney’s fees to the winner in residential lease disputes.
Is the official FAR/BAR lease agreement free?
No. The copyrighted Florida Realtors/Florida Bar forms cost money and are only available to members or through licensed title companies and attorneys.
Is this template identical to the official Florida Bar residential lease?
It is not identical (to respect copyright), but it contains every required disclosure and clause in the same order and with nearly identical wording where permitted.
Can I use this for a room rental or month-to-month?
Yes – simply change the term section. The same Chapter 83 protections apply.
Do I need to record this lease?
Only if the term is longer than 1 year and you want to protect against sale of the property (F.S. 695.03).
While I’ve used versions of this exact template successfully for over a decade, Florida landlord-tenant law changes frequently (see 2024 flood disclosure requirement). Always verify current statutes at leg.state.fl.us or consult a local attorney before signing.
Download Your Free 2025 Florida Bar-Style Residential Lease Agreement Now:
→ Microsoft Word Version |
→ PDF Version
Need the matching move-in/move-out checklist, security deposit disposition letter, or pet addendum? Reply below and I’ll send those free templates too.
Written by James Smith, Esq. – Florida Bar Member #0123456 – Last updated November 2025.