Florida Modernizes Landlord-Tenant Communications: Email Notices Now Legal
Florida landlords and property managers have reason to celebrate. A new law that took effect July 1, 2025, finally brings landlord-tenant communications into the digital age by allowing email delivery of required notices—but only when both parties agree in writing.
The Problem with the Old System
For years, Florida law created unnecessary headaches for landlords trying to communicate with tenants. Take security deposit claims, for example. When a tenant moved out, landlords were required to send written notice by certified mail to the tenant’s “last known mailing address.”
This antiquated requirement created a host of problems:
- Tenants often left without providing forwarding addresses
- Many tenants didn’t have permanent addresses immediately after moving
- Certified mail was expensive and time-consuming
- The process felt like a relic from a bygone era of business communication
Enter House Bill 615: A Digital Solution
Recognizing these challenges, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 615 during the 2025 session, creating a new section 83.505 in Florida Statutes. This modern approach acknowledges how people actually communicate today while maintaining important legal protections.
How the New Email Notice System Works
The law is straightforward but includes important safeguards. Landlords and tenants can now exchange required notices via email, but only if they’ve signed a written addendum to their rental agreement specifically authorizing electronic delivery.
The addendum must clearly inform both parties that:
- Electronic notice delivery is completely voluntary
- Either party can revoke the agreement at any time
- Email addresses can be updated whenever needed
Importantly, this agreement must be documented in a separate addendum to the lease—not included in the lease itself. The Legislature even provided sample language that can be copied directly into addendums, making implementation simple for property managers.
What Notices Can Be Sent by Email?
The new law applies to several critical communications between landlords and tenants:
- Security deposit claims (Section 83.49)
- Disclosure of landlord’s address (Section 83.50)
- Temporary vacation notices for pest control (Section 83.51)
- Rental agreement termination notices (Section 83.56)
- End-of-lease termination notices (Section 83.575)
Important Limitations to Remember
While this change represents significant progress, landlords should be aware of several key limitations:
Commercial properties are excluded. The new email provisions apply only to residential tenancies.
Written leases only. Since the email authorization must be in a written addendum, oral lease agreements likely can’t take advantage of these provisions.
Other notice requirements may still apply. House Bill 615 doesn’t address every notice requirement in Florida landlord-tenant law. Some situations may still require traditional delivery methods.
The Bottom Line
This legislative update represents a common-sense modernization of Florida’s landlord-tenant laws. By allowing email delivery of key notices—with proper safeguards—the state has eliminated unnecessary costs and delays while maintaining the legal protections both parties need.
Property managers and landlords should update their lease addendums to take advantage of this new flexibility. However, when questions arise about specific notice requirements, it’s always wise to consult with a qualified attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
The days of chasing down tenants with certified mail may finally be coming to an end—and that’s good news for everyone involved in Florida’s rental market.