News Summary
A new law in Florida mandates that landlords must disclose flood history of rental properties before leases are signed, aimed at protecting renters from flood risks. This legislation comes after severe flooding during recent hurricane seasons, emphasizing the need for transparency about property conditions. While supported by some property managers, opinions vary on its necessity. The law requires disclosures regarding any previous flooding and related insurance claims, with the aim of improving renter awareness and safety in flood-prone areas.
Tampa, Florida – A new law took effect on October 1, 2025, requiring landlords in Florida to disclose any flood history of a property before a tenant signs a lease. This legislation is aimed at helping Florida renters avoid moving into flood-prone homes, an increasingly important issue in light of the severe flooding experienced during last year’s hurricane season, which caused significant damage to thousands of homes and apartments across the state.
The law mandates that disclosures must include prior instances of flooding, any Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance received, and information on whether any insurance claims related to flood damage have been filed. This move has been applauded as a step toward fairness for tenants and an improvement in the quality of life for renters.
The increased frequency of property flooding has underscored the necessity of this legislation, particularly following the notable damage from Hurricane Helene, which severely affected the Tampa Bay area. Attorney Charles Gallagher has indicated that introducing such a requirement aligns with the heightened levels of property flooding observed over recent years.
The law applies to all new leases starting from October 1, 2025. Landlords who fail to disclose pertinent flood history may put themselves at risk of having tenants break their lease and receive a refund if flooding occurs. This provision is an effort to prevent unscrupulous landlords from concealing previous flooding damage.
Notably, standard insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. This has led landlords to be proactive in disclosing any flood risks. Matt Moore, a property management owner, has shown support for the law, acknowledging that while it might present challenges in leasing certain properties, his company plans to inform tenants of disclosures that go beyond the legal requirements to ensure transparency.
Despite the overall support for the new law, opinions vary among property managers. David Lowery, a local property manager, expressed mixed feelings regarding the legislation. While he recognizes the benefits for newcomers to Florida, he suggests that it might be perceived as unnecessary by some landlords. Additionally, renter Cory Whitehurst expressed skepticism about the law’s effectiveness, asserting that most tenants are already aware of the flood risks associated with living in certain areas.
A critical limitation of the law is the absence of a statewide database tracking which specific homes or apartments have previously flooded. As a result, it falls on landlords to provide accurate and truthful information about their properties’ flooding history to potential tenants.
Importantly, this new law does not introduce criminal penalties or new grounds for tenant lawsuits. Instead, its primary focus is on enhancing transparency for renters and ensuring that they are adequately informed about the potential risks associated with flooding.
This legislation is essential for renters in flood-prone areas like Tampa Bay, allowing them to make more informed decisions regarding their rental properties. As Florida continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change and severe weather patterns, this law reflects a growing recognition of the need for more significant protections for renters throughout the state.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: New Florida Law Requires Landlords to Disclose Flood Risks
- WTSP: New Florida Law Requires Landlords to Disclose Flood History
- Florida Politics: New Neighborhood Flood Safety Measure
- Wikipedia: Flooding
- The Guardian: Florida Hurricane and Flood Insurance Issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
