Renting a home in Florida can feel exciting—warm weather, beautiful coastlines, friendly neighborhoods, and endless lifestyle options. But if you’re renting here for the first time, you might be wondering: “What exactly do I need before a landlord approves me?” When I moved into my first Florida rental, I remember scrambling to find documents at the last minute. Since then, I’ve learned that the entire process becomes much easier when you know what’s expected.
Rent A Home In Florida Today
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need—documents, fees, background checks, income requirements, and even some insider tips to avoid common mistakes renters make.
To rent a home in Florida, you usually need:
A valid ID
Proof of income (usually 2–3× monthly rent)
Employment verification
Rental history
Credit report
Background check clearance
Security deposit & first month’s rent
Application fee
Sometimes renters’ insurance
Now let’s break everything down in detail.
1. Valid Identification
One of the very first things a Florida landlord will ask for is a government-issued ID. This could be:
Driver’s license
State ID
Passport
Military ID
The landlord wants to verify your identity and ensure the information on your rental application matches official records.
Why it matters
A confirmed identity helps screen tenants properly. It also reduces fraud, something Florida rental markets take very seriously.
Pro Tip
Make sure your ID isn’t expiring within the next 30–60 days, especially if you’re planning to sign a one-year lease.
2. Proof of Income
Most Florida landlords want to make sure you can comfortably afford the rent. The standard rule is:
Income Requirement: 2.5x to 3x the Rent
For example:
If the rent is $2,000/month → you need $5,000–$6,000/month in verifiable income.
Accepted income documents
Pay stubs (last 2–3 months)
W-2 forms
Bank statements
Employment letter
Tax returns (if self-employed)
Social Security or pension statements (for retirees)
What if you’re self-employed?
You’ll usually need:
2 years of tax returns
3–6 months of bank statements
Profit and loss statement
What if your income is irregular?
Landlords may accept:
Co-signer
Larger deposit
Proof of savings
3. Employment Verification
Most Florida landlords verify your employment to check:
How long have you been working
Job stability
Monthly earnings
They may call your employer or ask for an official verification letter.
Common reasons employment verification fails
Inaccurate HR phone numbers
You recently changed jobs
Income does not match what you listed
How to avoid delays
Give your employer a heads-up so they recognize the call.
4. Credit Check
Credit score is a major factor in Florida’s rental market. While every landlord has their own standard, here’s the general guideline:
Typical credit score requirement: 620+
Higher-end rentals may expect 680–700+.
What landlords check
Payment history
Credit utilization
Unpaid collections
Previous evictions
Bankruptcy records
Can you get approved with low credit?
Yes—options include:
Higher security deposit
Co-signer
Paying 2 months upfront
Submitting proof of savings
5. Background Check
This usually includes:
Criminal history
Eviction history
Previous judgments
Public court records
Florida landlords want to ensure safety and reliability, especially in communities with families.
What landlords look for
Recent felonies
Violent crimes
Fraud or financial crimes
Multiple evictions
What is usually overlooked
Minor misdemeanors
Old records
Non-violent, low-level offenses
6. Rental History
Most landlords prefer tenants with a clean rental history. They might contact your past landlords to confirm:
On-time payments
No property damage
Good behavior
No noise complaints
Lease fulfillment
If this is your first rental
You can offer:
A reference letter
A co-signer
Stable income proof
7. Security Deposit & First Month’s Rent
Before you get the keys, you’ll typically need to pay:
Security deposit (usually equal to one month’s rent)
First month’s rent
Sometimes last month’s rent
For example, if rent is $2,000/month, you may need $4,000–$6,000 upfront.
Is the security deposit refundable?
Yes—if you:
Don’t damage the property
Pay rent on time
Return home clean
Florida deposit laws
Landlords must return your deposit within 15–60 days, depending on the situation.
8. Rental Application Fee
Most Florida landlords charge a non-refundable application fee, usually between $50–$150.
This covers:
Background check
Credit check
Processing the application
Make sure you’re serious about the rental before applying, because fees are not returned even if you’re denied.
9. Renter’s Insurance
Many Florida rentals now require renters’ insurance before move-in.
Typical coverage needed:
$100,000 liability
$10,000–$20,000 personal belongings
Why do landlords require it
Florida has:
Frequent storms
Flood risk
Hurricane activity
High humidity (meaning mold issues)
Insurance protects both you and the property owner.
10. Pet Documents (If You Have Pets)
Florida is a pet-friendly state, but landlords still ask for:
Vet records
Vaccination proof
Pet photos
Breed details
Some charge:
Pet deposit
Monthly pet rent
Are service animals allowed?
Yes—free of charge under federal law.
11. Additional Things You Might Need
Depending on the property, you may also be asked for:
Vehicle registration
Emergency contact
Social Security number
HOA approval (common in condos)
Background check for each adult
Final Tips for Renting a Home in Florida
Here’s what I tell anyone renting in Florida for the first time:
Always read your lease slowly—especially hurricane, mold, and maintenance clauses.
Take photos of the property before moving in.
Ask about flood zones (this is Florida—very important).
Prepare your documents in one folder to speed up approval.
Apply quickly; Florida rentals move fast, especially in coastal areas.
Conclusion
Renting a home in Florida becomes a smooth process when you know exactly what landlords expect. With the right documents—ID, income proof, credit check, rental history, and deposits—you’ll be prepared to secure a home faster and with far less stress. Whether you’re moving to Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, or a small beach town, the essentials remain the same.