Mobile Home Owner's Rights in Florida

Mobile homeowners in Florida have similar rights as all other renters.

Landlords who lease lots in mobile home parks must comply with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation rules and the Florida Mobile Home Act. The Florida Mobile Home Act applies to mobile park landlords who offer at least 10 lots for rent in their mobile home parks.

Florida Code

Chapter 723 of the Florida Statutes contains the Mobile Home Act laws for these mobile home owners. Otherwise, mobile home landlords must comply with the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act or Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes.

Rights and Duties

In Florida, mobile home park landlords cannot freely enter an owner's mobile home without authorization through written consent. Landlords may however, enter a mobile home without consent to address public safety issues or to repair utilities or appliances during reasonable hours. Mobile-home owners, similar to other homeowners, have a right to peaceful enjoyment and right to privacy. Mobile-home owners and mobile park landlords must comply with the state and local building codes. Mobile-home owners must also comply with the mobile park landlord's written rules and regulations and adhere to any safety laws.

Fees and Rental Charges

Mobile-home owners can enter into written or verbal lease agreements but must do so for at least one-year. Florida law provides an exception to this one-year rule for landlords who began their tenancies designed to end at simultaneous times. Landlords may not charge tenants fees for exiting and entering, unless tenants have provided express consent to paying those fees. Landlords must post clear signs of any incidental fees in conspicuous areas. Within the one-year term, landlords cannot increase their rental fees and can only do so after the lease agreement expires and after providing tenants with at least a 60-day written notice of increase and option to terminate the existing lease. Tenants who exercise their legal termination rights can do so without having to pay early termination fees or incidental early exit fees.

Rights to Sell Mobile Homes

Mobile home tenants have a right to sell their mobile homes without having to pay the park owner any commissions or profits. Tenants may freely erect "for sale" signs if doing so would not violate local ordinances. Additionally, tenants have rights to purchase new appliances without undue restrictions if they comply with the existing code ordinances.

Considerations

Since real estate laws can frequently change, you should not use this information as a substitute for legal advice. Seek advice through an attorney licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction.

References

• The 2006 Florida Statutes: Chapter 723: Mobile Home Park Lot Tenancies
• The 2006 Florida Statutes: Chapter 723: Mobile Home Park Lot Tenancies -- 723.031 Mobile Home Lot Rental Agreements
• Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation: Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes: Frequently Asked Questions -- Mobile Homes