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Gov. Ron DeSantis signs controversial landlord-tenant bill

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a committee meeting
Andrew Harnik
/
AP

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed off on several new laws Thursday night, including one having to do with tenants and their landlords.

The law (HB 1417) gives the state authority to govern landlord-tenant agreements. The legislation affects issues like the notice requirements for rent increases, fees, and even eviction.

The bill also allows landlords to offer tenants a monthly, non-refundable fee, in lieu of security deposits.

The measure comes as tenant advocacy groups pushed for stronger local protections against rising rent costs amid a shortage of affordable housing across the state.

The bill takes effect Saturday, July 1.

Adrian Andrews is a multimedia journalist with WFSU Public Media. He is a Gadsden County native and a first-generation college graduate from Florida A&M University. Adrian is also a military veteran, ending his career as a Florida Army National Guard Non-Comissioned Officer.

Adrian has experience in print writing, digital content creation, documentary, and film production. He has spent the last four years on the staff of several award-winning publications such as The Famuan, Gadsden County News Corp, and Cumulus Media before joining the WFSU news team.