Florida landlords will soon have stronger legal protections against rental application fraud. Effective October 1, 2026, Florida law HB 1293 classifies the act of obtaining possession of a residential rental property through false identity information, forged documents, or impersonation as a third-degree felony.
Legislation·Statewide
New Fraudulent Entry Law Targets Rental Housing Abuses
A significant new Florida law, HB 1293, takes effect on October 1, 2026, making it a third-degree felony to secure a rental property through identity fraud or forged documentation. This legislation grants landlords an expedited path to terminate tenancies involving fraudulent entry without the need to offer a cure period.
By FLN News Desk
August 7, 2026Updated Sep 2, 20261 min read
This legislation specifically amends Section 83.56 of the Florida Statutes to address these situations. Under the new provisions, fraudulent entry is categorized as a non-curable lease violation. This means that property owners and managers are not required to provide tenants a 7-day opportunity to fix the issue; instead, they may move directly to terminate the rental agreement upon discovery of the fraud.
The law is designed to combat rising concerns regarding rental scams and identity theft in the housing market. Whether or not criminal charges are filed by authorities, landlords are empowered by this statute to pursue eviction of individuals who gained residency through deceptive means, providing a more efficient remedy for property owners dealing with bad-faith actors.
Disclaimer: Florida Landlord Network is a non-attorney service. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Florida attorney for guidance specific to your situation.