Key Takeaways for Florida Landlords:
- CS/HB 1293 takes effect Oct 1, 2026.
- Rental fraud is now a 3rd-degree felony.
- Landlords can use a 7-day non-curable notice to vacate for fraudulent entry.
- No criminal conviction is required to start the eviction.
- Professional screening is still your #1 defense.
For a long time, Florida landlords have dealt with a frustrating loophole: tenants who lie their way into a home. Whether it’s a fake pay stub, a forged ID, or a completely fabricated background, rental application fraud has been a growing headache for property owners across the Sunshine State.
But things are about to change.
The Florida Legislature recently passed CS/HB 1293, titled “Fraudulent Entry of Residential Dwellings.” This isn’t just a minor update to the books: it’s a massive win for property owners and the property management industry as a whole. The bill passed the Senate 34–0 and the House 110–0. When a law passes unanimously like that, you know it’s addressing a serious problem that everyone agrees needs fixing.
What Exactly Is the New “Fraudulent Entry” Crime?
Starting October 1, 2026, Florida will officially recognize “Fraudulent entry of a residential dwelling unit” as a third-degree felony.
In the past, if a tenant lied on their application, getting them out was often a slow, expensive process through the standard eviction courts. You often had to prove a breach of contract, and even then, the legal “cures” available to tenants could drag things out for months.
Under the new law, a person commits a third-degree felony if they knowingly take possession of a residential unit by:
- Making false statements on a rental application regarding their identity.
- Presenting forged documents (like fake IDs, bank statements, or pay stubs).
- Impersonating another person to secure the lease.
A third-degree felony in Florida is no joke: it carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. This sends a clear message: lying on a rental application is now a serious crime with serious consequences.
The Landlord’s Secret Weapon: The 7-Day Non-Curable Notice
Perhaps the most significant part of CS/HB 1293 isn’t the prison time: it’s how much faster you can get your property back.
Usually, when a tenant violates a lease, Florida law often requires a “notice to cure,” giving the tenant a chance to fix the problem (like paying late rent or getting rid of an unauthorized pet). However, this new law treats fraudulent entry as a non-curable violation.
How it works:
- Identify the Fraud: You discover the tenant used a fake ID or forged pay stubs to get the keys.
- Issue the Notice: You can issue a 7-day notice to vacate.
- No Second Chances: Because it is “non-curable,” the tenant does not have the right to “fix” the fraud. They simply have to leave.
- No Criminal Conviction Needed: You don’t have to wait for a state attorney to file charges or for a jury to find them guilty. The civil remedy (eviction) is separate from the criminal process.
This is a game-changer for landlord advice. It slashes the time a fraudulent tenant can stay in your property, saving you thousands in lost rent and legal fees.
Why Is This Law Necessary Now?
You might be wondering why this bill received such overwhelming support. The truth is, rental fraud has become high-tech. With the rise of AI and sophisticated photo editing software, it has become incredibly easy for scammers to create “perfect” applications.
We’ve seen cases in Central Florida where applicants provide bank statements that look 100% legitimate but are entirely fabricated. These “professional tenants” move in, never pay a dime of rent, and then force the landlord through a three-month eviction process while they live for free.
By making this a felony and a non-curable eviction offense, Florida is stripping away the incentive for these scammers to target our communities.
(Above: The new law allows for a rapid 7-day exit for fraudulent tenants, bypasssing the usual “right to cure.”)
Preparing for October 1, 2026
October 1 has came and gone, There is always time to review your leasing processes. If you are currently managing your own properties, you should:
- Update Your Rental Applications: Ensure your applications clearly state that providing false information is a felony under Florida law. Sometimes, just the warning is enough to scare off scammers.
- Keep Your Paperwork: If you suspect fraud, keep every digital and physical document the applicant sent. These will be your primary evidence for both the 7-day notice and potential criminal charges.
- Consult the Experts: Laws are changing fast in Florida. From new squatter laws to this rental fraud crackdown, the environment is becoming much friendlier for property owners: if you know how to navigate it.
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