

Why Tenant Screening is Essential in Florida
Florida’s rental market is as diverse as its population, with a mix of long-term residents and seasonal renters. With varying laws and regulations across cities like Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, it’s crucial for landlords to have a thorough tenant screening process to avoid issues like late payments or lease violations.
AmerUSA’s tenant screening services are trusted by landlords across the Sunshine State. Whether you manage a beachfront condo or a suburban duplex, our solutions provide the tools you need to select reliable tenants while complying with Florida’s legal requirements.
Florida Tenant Screening Services
- Credit Reports: Access detailed credit histories, including payment records, credit scores, and debt obligations.
- Criminal Background Checks: Conduct searches across Florida and nationwide databases to uncover criminal history, where available.
- Eviction Records: Review court records to identify past eviction filings and judgments for prospective tenants.
Florida Landlord-Tenant Laws
- Security Deposits: Florida landlords must return security deposits within 15 to 30 days of lease termination, depending on whether deductions are made.
- Eviction Notices: Landlords must provide a 3-day notice for non-payment of rent before filing for eviction.
- Late Fees: Florida does not regulate late fees, but they must be reasonable and specified in the lease agreement.
- Abandoned Property: Landlords must provide written notice before disposing of any abandoned tenant property and store items for a reasonable time.
Resources for Florida Landlords
- Florida Judicial Branch – Access court forms and eviction procedures.
- Florida Housing Finance Corporation – Resources for landlords and rental assistance programs.
- National Association of Residential Property Managers – Tools and best practices for Florida property managers.
- Florida Realtors – Updates and legal resources for landlords.
- Florida Legal Services – Free legal assistance for landlord-tenant issues.
FAQs for Florida Landlords
- Do I need tenant consent to perform a background check? Yes, Florida law requires written consent from tenants before conducting any screenings.
- Are there limits on application fees? Application fees in Florida are not regulated but must be reasonable and disclosed upfront.
- How quickly are screening reports available? Most reports are delivered instantly, with some criminal records taking up to 3-5 business days.
- What happens if a tenant disputes their screening results? Landlords must provide the tenant with a copy of the report and the contact details of the reporting agency.
- How can I verify a tenant’s rental history? AmerUSA provides access to reported address histories, but the best way to verify a tenancy is to contact the landlord.
Get Started Today
Ensure compliance with Florida’s rental laws and find the right tenants for your property. Start screening tenants today with AmerUSA!