Florida Rent withholding / escrow

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Florida?

A tenant may withhold rent for the landlord's material failure to meet the building-code and maintenance duties in § 83.51(1), but only once 7 days have passed after written notice naming the problem and saying rent will be withheld. In an eviction, the court may reduce the rent, and a tenant raising any defense other than payment must pay the rent into the court registry.

Verified Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.60(1)(b), (2) · last checked 2026-10-15