Pets
Renting with a dog or cat in South Florida
South Florida landlords who allow pets usually charge a pet deposit, monthly pet rent, a one-time fee, or some mix, and Florida sets no cap on any of them. A pet deposit counts as deposit money, so it comes back under the same 15- and 30-day rules as your security deposit. Since October 2023, cities and counties can't ban dogs by breed, but private landlords and condo associations still can.
Updated Last checked 4 min read
Quick answer
- No Florida cap on pet deposits, pet rent or pet fees.
- A pet deposit is refundable deposit money under section 83.49. A pet fee usually isn't.
- Local breed bans ended in 2023. Landlord and association breed rules still apply.
- In a condo, the building's pet rules sit on top of the landlord's.
- An unauthorized pet is a lease violation you get 7 days to cure, usually by removing it.
On this page
Deposit, fee or pet rent
| Charge | Refundable? | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Pet deposit | Yes, less any proper claim for pet damage | How much, and is it per pet? |
| One-time pet fee | Usually not, if the lease calls it a fee | What it covers, and is it per pet? |
| Monthly pet rent | No | Is it charged per pet, and does it go up at renewal? |
Florida's definition of deposit money in section 83.43 names pet deposits outright, so a landlord has to hold one like any other deposit and return it, or send a written claim, within the deadlines in section 83.49. If the lease calls it a nonrefundable pet fee, you won't get it back. If it says deposit, you will, less any proper claim.
- Pet deposit
- $500, refundable
- Pet rent at $40 a month
- $480 over 12 months
- Cash you won't see again
- $480
Breed and weight limits
Miami-Dade banned pit bulls from 1989. A state law that took effect October 1, 2023 ended local breed bans: section 767.14 now lets local governments and public housing authorities add rules for dangerous dogs only if those rules aren't specific to breed, weight or size.
That law doesn't reach private landlords or condo and HOA associations. Many still cap weight or list breeds they won't allow. Ask for the exact rule in writing before you apply, including whether the weight limit is the dog's weight today or full grown.
Condo pet rules
In a condo, the association's declaration and rules can limit the number, size or kind of pets, require leashes in common areas, or bar pets from renters entirely. Your landlord saying yes doesn't override the building. Some associations also want the pet's information on their approval application.
The application that gets a yes
- A photo and the dog's actual weight from a recent vet visit
- Vaccination records and the county pet license
- Spay or neuter record
- A reference from a past landlord who rented to you with the pet
- Proof of renters insurance with liability coverage, or a quote ready
A landlord weighing a big dog is mostly picturing scratched floors and a bite claim. A one-page pet resume, with the vet record and a past landlord who'll vouch for the dog, answers that better than a promise. If you have room to give, offer a larger pet deposit, which comes back to you, before you argue about pet rent.
If you add a pet later
Ask first, in writing. Section 83.56(2)(b) lists unauthorized pets as an example of a violation a landlord can give you 7 days to fix, which means removing the pet. If the same kind of violation happens again within 12 months of that notice, the landlord can end the tenancy without giving you another chance to fix it.
Assistance animals are a separate category with separate rules, covered in emotional support and service animals.
Questions people ask
How much is a pet deposit in Florida?
Florida law doesn't set a limit, so the lease does. It counts as deposit money under section 83.49, so it comes back with the rest of your deposit unless the landlord makes a proper written claim.
Can a landlord charge pet rent and a pet deposit?
Yes. Chapter 83 doesn't bar either one or cap them. The deposit is refundable. Pet rent isn't.
Are pit bulls allowed in Miami-Dade rentals now?
The county can no longer ban them by breed, since a 2023 state law ended local breed bans. A private landlord or condo association can still refuse certain breeds.
What happens if I have a pet my landlord does not know about?
The landlord can give you a 7-day notice to remove it. A repeat within 12 months of that notice can end the tenancy without another chance to cure.
Free help from Rentvana
Big dog or two cats, we'll shortlist the homes that say yes.
Renters never pay Rentvana. A licensed agent replies within 1 hour, 8am to 9pm.
Questions first? Call 888-601-8344 or email hello@rentvana.com.
Words in this guide
Sources
- Florida Statutes, section 83.43: Definitionsleg.state.fl.us
- Florida Statutes, section 83.49: Deposit money or advance rent, duty of landlord and tenantleg.state.fl.us
- Florida Statutes, section 83.56: Termination of rental agreementleg.state.fl.us
- Florida Statutes, section 767.14: Additional local restrictions authorizedleg.state.fl.us
- Local 10 News: New Florida law to lift local bans on pit bulls begins October 1st (September 28, 2023)local10.com
Checked against these sources on by Rentvana Editorial. If something has changed, email hello@rentvana.com and we'll fix it.
Questions?
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.