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Can a landlord change the locks for unpaid rent in Florida?
Use the free tool — Small Landlord Notice Kit FL
Short answer: no
Changing the locks because a tenant hasn't paid rent is illegal in Florida. This is called "self-help eviction," and Florida law does not allow it, no matter how far behind the tenant is.
What the statute says
Fla. Stat. 83.67 makes this explicit. If a landlord changes the locks, shuts off utilities, or removes doors to force a tenant out, the landlord becomes liable for three months' rent to the tenant.
- Changing the locks — not allowed.
- Shutting off utilities (water, electricity, etc.) — not allowed.
- Removing doors or windows — not allowed.
None of these actions end a tenancy. They only expose the landlord to a penalty of three months' rent under 83.67.
What you have to do instead
Florida requires a specific written notice before you can do anything about unpaid rent. For nonpayment, that's typically a 3-day notice, with the days counted a specific way and delivered a specific way — and the amount stated has to be the rent itself, not late fees. The right notice depends on your exact situation, dates, and lease terms.
If the notice expires and the tenant still won't pay or leave
The next step is a county court eviction complaint, with a filing fee and a summons. The tenant then has 5 days to answer. This goes through the court — not through locks, utilities, or doors.
- If the tenant contests the case, an eviction attorney is usually worth the fee.
Exceptions and things to double-check
Some situations follow different rules than the standard chapter 83, Part II process:
- Federally assisted or subsidized housing — a 30-day CARES notice may apply.
- Mobile-home lots — governed by chapter 723, not chapter 83.
- Commercial leases — different rules apply.
- Local ordinances may add requirements.
Confirm your specific situation with the county clerk or the statute, and consider a professional if anything is unclear. This page is not legal advice.
What to do next
The free tool reads your own situation — your rent amount, dates, lease term, and property — and generates the actual Florida statutory notice required, with the days computed from today using Florida's counting rules and delivery instructions. It also tells you what comes next if the notice expires. It does not file or serve anything for you, and it is not affiliated with any court, association, or agency. The first notice is free; the full kit is $19/month.
Small Landlord Notice Kit FL is an informational tool based on Florida Statutes chapter 83, Part II, as of 2025–26. It is not legal advice and does not file or serve notices. Day-counting, delivery and filing rules have exceptions; the county clerk and the statute control. Properties with federal assistance or subsidies, mobile-home lots, and commercial tenancies follow different rules. It is not affiliated with any court, association or agency.