Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

Section 83.67, F.S.

Florida Law does not allow a landlord to force a tenant out by:

Shutting off the utilities or interrupting service, even if that service is under the control of or the landlord makes payment;

I was reading Florida landlord tenant laws and came across the above statue. My previous landlord of 3 months ago did not file legal eviction to get us out of his home for non payment of rent(which we paid 1/2 and he said thats fine he'll wait then changed his mind later and gave us the money back and told us to get out). But, after telling him he has to file leaglly, he shut off our electrricity and put it in his name. In the mean time we found a new home and was going to transfer our lights, but they said we have to pay the full amount because he had our service turned off while we were living there! Which had to make us stay there even longer to come up with money to pay all electric plus money for the new address. We eventually left without him even filing eviction. But I just read this law and wanted to see if I should sue him for it?

I know that it also says in this law "If any of these occur, the tenant may sue for actual and consequential damages or three months' rent, whichever is greater, plus court costs and attorney's fees. "


Asked on 4/27/10, 7:57 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lesly Longa Longa Law P.A.

You're right that he can't resort to self-help. If your landlord agrees to anything other than what's in the lease, always get it in a signed writing. He has to bring an eviction action to get you to leave. Check your local court's website for more information or hire a local attorney. Regards,

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Answered on 5/04/10, 2:22 pm


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