Aims to preserve victim-survivors' due process rights, safety, and housing stability.
Expands current exceptions for tenants who are victims of domestic violence to include victims of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, and domestic abuse (victim-survivor).
Required documentation expanded to include a self-attestation affidavit or a letter signed by a qualified third party from whom the tenant sought assistance.
Landlord must offer the tenant a repayment plan no later than 48 hours after serving a demand for unpaid rent or no later than 48 hours after receiving documentation.
Bill requires the landlord to perfect service only through personal service to the tenant.
Court records related to unlawful detention of real property to remain suppressed if a defendant asserts as defense that defendant is a victim-survivor with documentation.
Makes changes to certain court procedures as procedures relate to victim-survivors.
If a victim-survivor terminates a lease and provides the required documentation, the tenant is not liable for damage to the dwelling unit caused by the responsible party.
Prohibits landlord from assigning debt of victim-survivor to 3rd-party debt collector.
Landlord prohibited from preventing tenant from changing the lock or charging fee.
Legislative History
On Feb. 3, 2025, bill introduced into House; on Mar. 5, 2025, bill passed House.
On Mar. 10, 2025, bill introduced into Senate; on Apr. 11, 2025, bill passed Senate.
On May 2, 2025, bill was delivered to the governor and is awaiting review.
Effectiveness
Act effective upon passage; except s. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 take effect Aug. 6, 2025.
May 2025 COL LEG Governor Approval
On May 22, 2025, COL LEG reported governor approved HB25-1168, effective Aug. 6.
