Understanding Pet Related Evictions in Florida

Many Florida tenants are surprised to learn that a landlord may attempt to evict them for having a pet, even when their lease says nothing about pets at all. This situation is more common than most renters realize. The good news is that Florida law offers protections for tenants, and the outcome depends on the exact lease language and the landlord's actions.

What Happens When Your Lease Does Not Mention Pets

If a lease does not include a pet policy, then the landlord never restricted you from having a pet in the first place. A landlord cannot claim that you violated a rule that was never written into the contract. This means a landlord cannot evict you based on a pet unless the lease explicitly prohibits pets or includes a pet related condition you failed to follow.

Florida courts rely on the written lease above all else. If the lease is silent about pets, then having a pet is not a violation. A landlord would have no legal basis to issue a Seven Day Notice to Cure or a Seven Day Notice to Vacate for this reason alone.

Can a Landlord Add a No Pet Rule After You Move In

Landlords cannot unilaterally add new rules that were not part of the original lease. Any change to the terms of your lease requires your written agreement. If a landlord attempts to create a new no pet policy in the middle of your lease term without your consent, it is not enforceable.

The only time a landlord can introduce a new pet restriction is during renewal. If your lease is month to month, the landlord may provide proper written notice and then enforce a new rule after the notice period expires. Even then, the landlord must follow Florida's notice requirements correctly.

When a Landlord May Still Try to Evict a Tenant

Even if your lease does not forbid pets, a landlord may still attempt to evict a tenant who has a pet that:

• causes significant property damage
• poses a safety concern
• violates local animal ordinances
• creates excessive noise or disturbances

In these cases, the eviction would not be based on simply having a pet. It would be based on behavior or damage that violates other sections of the lease or Florida law.

What To Do If Your Landlord Gave You a Seven Day Notice

Receiving a Seven Day Notice can feel intimidating, but it does not mean an eviction will occur. If your lease never restricted pets, the notice may be invalid. Many Florida tenants successfully dispute these notices and stop the eviction process entirely with the correct legal steps.

If your landlord issued a notice about your pet and your lease does not include a pet rule, you should speak with an attorney immediately. An attorney can review your lease, determine whether the notice is legally valid, and protect your rights before the situation escalates.