Starting July 1, 2025, Florida landlords and tenants will have a new way to legally communicate. A new law, Section 83.505 of the Florida Statutes, allows both parties to exchange important rental notices electronically, provided they agree in writing. This shift reflects the state’s push to modernize housing laws and improve communication between property managers and renters.
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Ending the Paper Trail
Previously, Florida law required landlords to deliver notices, such as lease violations or eviction warnings, either by mail or by posting directly on a tenant’s door. Critics, including the Florida Apartment Association, argued that these delivery methods were outdated and, at times, unreliable or invasive. Association Vice President Amanda White said paper notices could compromise tenant privacy, especially when posted publicly on doors.
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Why the Law Changed
Representative Tiffany Esposito of Fort Myers sponsored the legislation, which Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law. Esposito emphasized the importance of “free-flowing communication,” suggesting faster notifications could give tenants a better chance to resolve issues and avoid losing their housing. White also pointed out that many tenants are more likely to check their phones or email than their physical mailboxes.
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What the Law Allows
Under the new rules, a wide range of legal notices covered under Florida’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act can now be delivered via email, provided both the landlord and tenant agree in writing. These include 3-day notices to pay rent or vacate, 7-day notices to correct lease violations, lease termination or non-renewal notices, claims related to security deposits, pest control or extermination notifications, and disclosures of the landlord’s name and address. This change allows for faster, more convenient communication while still maintaining legal compliance.
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Opting In Is Optional
This shift to digital communication is not automatic. For email to be used for legal notices, both landlords and tenants must sign a lease addendum that clearly outlines their agreement. The addendum must specify each party’s designated email address, confirm that email is an optional form of communication, and explain how to opt-out or update email information. If either party later decides they no longer want to use email, they can return to traditional paper delivery by providing written notice.
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How Email Notices Work
Once the addendum is signed, an email notice is legally considered “delivered” as soon as it is sent, so long as it does not bounce back. If the message is undeliverable, the sender must use another method, such as hand delivery or mail. To protect both parties, the law also requires that a copy of the email and proof of delivery (such as a timestamp or receipt) be kept. This digital paper trail can help avoid disputes about when a notice was actually sent and received.
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Email Adds, Not Replaces
While the new law provides a modern option, it doesn’t replace traditional methods. Landlords must still offer the option to receive notices by mail or hand delivery if tenants prefer. This change ensures that those without reliable internet access or who are uncomfortable with email are not excluded.
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Benefits for Both Sides
The benefits of the update are clear for landlords: faster delivery of time-sensitive notices, cost savings from reduced postage and printing, and better documentation. For tenants, it means receiving critical information quickly, especially helpful for those who travel or don’t regularly check physical mail.
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Preparing for the Change
Landlords and property managers should take several steps to prepare for the law’s rollout on July 1. They should update lease agreements to include the optional email notice addendum and train staff to explain this new communication option to tenants. It’s also important to use systems that can save proof of email delivery and maintain up-to-date tenant email addresses. These measures will help ensure smooth communication and reduce potential legal risks.
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A Step Toward Modernizing Housing Communication
This legal update represents a major change in how landlord-tenant relationships are managed in Florida. By recognizing the role digital communication plays in everyday life, the state is adapting its housing laws to be more efficient and accessible. Still, both sides should remember that an email notice is an option, not a requirement. Written consent is key. And if anything goes wrong, like a bounced message or a change of preference, paper delivery remains a valid and legal fallback.
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