Money
What it costs to move into a South Florida rental
Moving into a South Florida rental usually takes the first month's rent plus a security deposit, and many landlords also want the last month up front, so a $2,400 two-bedroom in Victoria Park can mean $7,200 before you get the keys. Florida doesn't cap deposits, and a condo can add an association fee of up to $150 per applicant and its own deposit of up to one month's rent. Application fees, a possible FPL deposit and the movers come on top.
Updated Last checked 3 min read
Quick answer
- First, last and security on $2,400 rent: $7,200.
- Florida has no cap on security deposits. The lease sets them.
- Condo association: up to $150 per applicant, plus a deposit up to one month's rent if its documents allow.
- FPL may want a deposit of two months of expected electric use.
- Last month paid up front is advance rent, which the landlord must hold like a deposit.
On this page
The big three: first, last and security
First month's rent is due at signing or move-in. The security deposit is the landlord's protection against damage and unpaid rent, and Chapter 83 doesn't cap it. Many individual condo and house owners here also ask for last month's rent up front. That counts as advance rent, so the landlord has to hold it the same way as a deposit under section 83.49.
- First month's rent
- $2,400
- Last month's rent
- $2,400
- Security deposit, one month
- $2,400
- Landlord application fees, two adults
- Whatever the listing says, often per adult
- Association approval fee
- Up to $300 for two unrelated applicants
- Association deposit, if required
- Up to $2,400
- FPL deposit, if required
- Two months of expected use
- First, last and security only, before every fee and deposit above them
- $7,200
The condo add-ons
In a condo, the association's approval fee is capped by section 718.112 at $150 per applicant, where a married couple or a parent with dependent children counts as one. If the association's documents allow it, it can also require a deposit of up to one month's rent, held in escrow to cover damage to the common areas. Some buildings charge a separate refundable move-in deposit for elevator padding and hallway damage. Ask the manager for all three numbers in writing.
Utilities and insurance
FPL may ask a new customer for a deposit equal to two months of expected use, as setting up utilities explains, and water deposits depend on your city or county utility. Many leases also require renters insurance from day one, so get a quote before move-in.
Ways to bring the number down
- Ask to drop last month's rent. If your application is strong, a landlord may take first and security only. Negotiating rent has more on what to offer in return.
- Ask about a fee in lieu of a deposit. Since 2023, Florida landlords can offer one under section 83.491. It lowers the cash up front, but you pay it every month and never get it back.
- Time the move. Starting mid-month means a prorated first month. That doesn't save money, but it spreads the cash over two months.
- Rethink the movers. For a two-bedroom, a rented truck plus hourly labor usually costs less than a full-service crew, if the building allows it.
Get it in writing before you pay
Ask for the full move-in total, item by item, before you apply. Pay by check, card or transfer to the owner or the owner's brokerage, never cash to a stranger, and get a receipt for each item.
Questions people ask
Is first, last and security normal in Florida?
It is common in South Florida, especially with individual owners. Florida law allows it, since Chapter 83 sets no cap on deposits or advance rent.
How much is a security deposit in Florida?
Whatever the lease says. There is no statutory limit, and one or two months' rent is typical. The rules on holding and returning it are in section 83.49.
Can I pay the security deposit in installments?
Only if the landlord agrees. Get the schedule written into the lease.
What is the cheapest way to move into an apartment?
A landlord who takes first and security only, a prorated first month, and labor-only movers. A fee in lieu of a deposit lowers the cash up front but costs more over time.
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Words in this guide
Sources
- Florida Statutes, section 83.49: Deposit money or advance rent, duty of landlord and tenantleg.state.fl.us
- Florida Statutes, section 83.43: Definitionsleg.state.fl.us
- Florida Statutes, section 83.491: Fee in lieu of security depositleg.state.fl.us
- Florida Statutes, section 718.112: Bylawsleg.state.fl.us
- FPL: Residential depositsfpl.com
Checked against these sources on by Rentvana Editorial. If something has changed, email hello@rentvana.com and we'll fix it.
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Call 888-601-8344 to talk to a licensed agent, or email hello@rentvana.com and one gets back to you within 1 hour, 8am to 9pm. Renters never pay Rentvana.