Florida Legislature Seeks To Help Victims Of Domestic Violence Stay Safe

If a person is a victim of domestic violence, they not only have to contend with their abuser threatening their safety, but also with additional factors that can make protecting themselves more difficult. For example, it is sadly not uncommon for a Florida landlord to evict a victim of domestic violence over calling law enforcement too many times. Two bills recently submitted by Democratic lawmakers, however, would give victims more security in terms of renting, leaving, or retaining their homes.

Granting Protections Based On Status

In October 2025, one state senator and one state representative submitted bills concurrently to each house of the Florida legislature. Together, they would explicitly prohibit Florida landlords from evicting a person solely on the basis of the abuse perpetrated against them. In addition, the bills would allow victims to break a lease with no penalty if they submit evidence of their safety being threatened.

The federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) already prohibits eviction on these grounds, but it VAWA only affects ‘federal’ housing, such as Section 8 residences. The Fair Housing Act also protects certain victims, but the protections are based on gender, rather than on the status of being a domestic violence survivor. These bills, if passed, would close loopholes that place victims in danger.

Balancing Parties’ Interests

Specifically, if passed, the law would require several changes to the behavior of both tenant and landlord. Landlords would be prohibited from evicting abuse victims (though unfortunately, nothing stops them from claiming another reason for such an eviction). With written evidence, such as a police report or proof of a domestic violence injunction being granted on the victim’s behalf, the landlord is also required to change the locks on the victim’s home within 24 hours (or the tenant can do so and inform the landlord).

Florida is a very landlord-friendly state, the bill seeks to protect victims’ safety first. That said, if a tenant chooses to break their lease, the landlord would still be able to collect their last month’s rent, and any co-tenants who play a role in causing domestic violence would still be required to pay all their obligations if the abuse victim breaks their lease.

Contact A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney

It remains to be seen how the upcoming legislative session will view the proposed bills, but even if the bills fail, domestic violence victims deserve safety and dignity. A West Palm Beach domestic violence attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help protect your rights. Call our office today at (561) 721-0552 to speak to an attorney.

Source:

orlandoweekly.com/news/orlando-democrats-file-bill-to-help-domestic-violence-survivors-flee-abuse/