A new bill (HB 1049) on Governor Ron DeSantis’s desk could soon require landlords across Florida to inform potential tenants if a property has a history of flooding. The legislation, unanimously approved by state lawmakers, aims to bring transparency for renters after recent storms left many Floridians displaced from repeatedly flooded homes.

Gabe Cormier, a longtime renter and housing advocate with the St. Pete Tenants Union, says the current system leaves tenants in the dark.

“It’s like walking in blind,” Cormier said of the current lack of flood disclosures. “By signing this bill, they’re at least opening our eyes a little before we enter these contracts.”

The bill would require landlords to disclose whether a rental unit has ever flooded, been the subject of a flood insurance claim, or received government aid for flood damage. If a landlord fails to make the disclosure, tenants would have the right to break their lease upon discovering the flooding history.

While Cormier supports the legislation, he believes it doesn’t go far enough. He points out that renters who end up in flood-damaged homes often still feel obligated to pay rent—despite the property being unlivable.

“It’s always the little guy stuck footing the bill,” he said. “You’re not providing me housing, but I’m still paying rent.”

The bill’s provisions would apply not only to standard rentals, but also to condo leases and mobile home parks. If signed into law, it will take effect October 1—right in the heart of hurricane season.

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(Image credit: Daniel A. Varela/Miami Herald)

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