Tenants and Landlords in Florida Can Now Exchange Certain Legal Notices by Email

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Email can replace mail or hand delivery for rental notices—but only with mutual written consent.

Starting July 1, 2025, Florida is modernizing how landlords and tenants send and receive certain legal notices in a long overdue update to the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (“FRLTA”). Thanks to House Bill 615, House Bill 615 (HB 615), signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 29, 2025, tenants and landlords can now choose to exchange important legal notices—like rent demands and repair requests—via email, as long as both parties give written consent in a residential lease.

This long-awaited change modernizes the landlord-tenant relationship by aligning Florida law with how people already handle rent payments, maintenance requests, and lease documents—digitally. It’s a welcome move for convenience, documentation, and efficiency.

One-Way vs. Two-Way: Know What You’re Signing

The new law (Florida Statutes § 83.505) gives each party the option to receive legal notices by email—but it’s not automatic or mutual. The landlord must opt in, and the tenant must opt in, separately.

This means:

  • A landlord can agree to receive notices by email, but the tenant doesn’t have to.
  • A tenant can agree to receive notices by email, but the landlord doesn’t have to.
  • Each party’s choice only affects what they receive—not what they can send.

So, if a tenant agrees to receive notices by email, but the landlord does not, then the landlord can email things like 3-day notices to pay rent or vacate, while the tenant still has to mail or hand-deliver legal notices—like a 7-day notice to request repairs.

Tip for Tenants: Make It Mutual

If your landlord presents you with an electronic notice addendum, review it carefully. Make sure:

  • The landlord is also agreeing to receive notices by email.
  • A valid email address is listed for each party.
  • You understand how to revoke or update your email at any time.

If only one box is checked—yours—it means you’re giving the landlord more flexibility without gaining any in return. Email communication should be a two-way street.

Text Messages Not Included

A key detail: Text messages do not count as proper notice under the new law. Only email is authorized for electronic notice, and only when both parties consent in writing using the statutorily required form. So even if you and your landlord often text, those messages are not legally valid for notices like lease termination, rent demands, or repair requests.

What Notices Can Be Sent by Email?

Once both the landlord and tenant have signed the required email delivery addendum under Florida Statutes § 83.505, a wide range of legally significant notices can be sent by email—by either party, depending on who opted in. Here’s what tenants need to know:

📩  Notices a Tenant May Send by Email (if Landlord Opted In):

If your landlord agreed in writing to receive notices by email, you may legally serve important tenant notices electronically, including:

📨 Notices a Landlord May Send by Email (if Tenant Opted In):

If you, the tenant, agreed in writing to receive notices by email, your landlord can email you things like:

  • 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate
  • Notice of Lease Violation (7-Day Notice to Cure)
  • Notice of Non-Renewal
  • Notice of Termination of Tenancy
  • Notice of Entry (e.g., for inspection or repairs)
  • Notice of Rent Increase
  • Notice of Changes to Lease Terms

Bottom Line

This change is a major step toward modernizing rental relationships in Florida—but it’s only as fair and effective as the agreement you sign. Email notices work best when both sides benefit from the clarity, speed, and record-keeping they provide. Before signing, make sure your landlord is committing to the same standard.

If you’re a tenant who has received a notice by email, or if you’re planning to send a notice and want to make sure it’s legally effective, it’s a good idea to have it reviewed by a legal professional. Our firm represents tenants across Florida and can help ensure your rights are protected under the new law. Reach out to us if you have questions or need legal guidance.