What Do You Need To Rent A Home In Florida

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.