New Florida Mobile Home Statute

Florida lawmakers continue to focus attention on mobile home communities as concerns grow over rapidly increasing lot rents and affordability pressures. A proposed change to Florida's mobile home laws would significantly alter how rent increases, payment systems, tenant protections, and park-owner responsibilities operate within the state's mobile home industry.

While many traditional residential landlords operate under Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes, mobile home parks are governed primarily by Chapter 723, commonly called the Florida Mobile Home Act.

The proposed legislation, introduced as Senate Bill 1550 and House Bill 703, would create several notable changes affecting both park owners and residents. Although these bills received substantial attention, they ultimately did not become law during the 2026 legislative session. Even so, the proposal offers insight into where Florida lawmakers appear to be heading in future sessions.

One of the largest proposed changes involves rent increase transparency. Current Florida law already requires park owners to provide at least 90 days' written notice before increasing lot rent or reducing services. Existing law also requires discussions with homeowner committees and disclosures of material factors supporting increases.

Under the proposed legislation, park owners would have been required to provide actual documentation supporting rent increases, including invoices and evidence of expenses. Rather than simply citing generalized reasons such as inflation or increased operating costs, owners could be required to show specific cost increases and supporting records.

The proposal also sought to expand the factors courts may consider when determining whether a rent increase is "unreasonable." In addition to traditional factors such as taxes, inflation, and operating expenses, courts could have considered:

• Active home sales occurring within the park
• Incentives or discounts being offered to new residents
• Homes abandoned within the prior 12 months
• Market conditions unique to the park

Supporters argue that these additional considerations would create a more complete picture of a park's financial reality and help protect residents from excessive increases.

Another area receiving attention involves payment systems. Some residents have expressed concerns about being forced into electronic payment platforms that may create additional fees or technological barriers. Under the proposed bill, park owners would no longer be permitted to require electronic payment as the sole payment method. Traditional forms of payment, including checks, would still need to be accepted.

Late-payment procedures also would have changed. Existing mobile home law allows park owners to pursue eviction after statutory notice periods. The proposal would have extended the period available to cure certain payment defaults, providing residents additional time before legal action could begin.

The legislation also proposed increased financial assistance for residents displaced by park redevelopment or land-use changes. Relocation payments would have increased substantially, potentially doubling some existing compensation amounts.

For Florida landlords and investors, especially those involved with manufactured housing communities, these proposals serve as an important signal. The mobile home industry increasingly sits at the intersection of affordable housing policy and private property rights. Even though the legislation did not pass, many observers expect similar proposals to return.

For now, existing requirements under Chapter 723 remain in place, including the 90-day notice requirements and current eviction procedures.

Landlords and investors with mobile home park interests should continue monitoring legislative activity. The conversations that began in 2026 are unlikely to end here.