Florida House Bill 615: Moving Landlord-Tenant Notices into the Digital Age

[Alex Zweydoff]

For those managing rentals in Florida, there’s an important bill making its way through the legislature that could modernize how we handle tenant communications.

House Bill 615 (HB 615), introduced in February 2025, proposes allowing landlords to send certain notices to tenants electronically—provided the tenant consents via a lease addendum and supplies a valid email address.

Key Points Landlords Should Know:

     • Electronic Delivery with Consent: Notices can be sent by email if tenants opt in and provide written consent. Tenants still have the right to request traditional (paper) notice delivery.

     • Delivery is Considered Complete Upon Sending: Once the email is sent, it’s legally considered delivered—unless otherwise stated in the bill. This can simplify compliance with notice timelines.

      • Record-Keeping Required: Landlords must maintain electronic records of all communications, creating a verifiable paper trail to protect both parties.

Exceptions still apply. Some notices (depending on their legal nature) may still need to be mailed or delivered in person, so it’s important to understand what qualifies under the new rules.

Bill Progress as of March 2025:

     • Introduced February 13, 2025

     • Passed Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee on March 13

     • Currently under review by the Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee

     • Underwent its first House reading as Committee Substitute 2 on March 19

If passed, this bill would offer landlords the opportunity to operate more efficiently, reduce administrative costs, and modernize communications.

What This Means for Landlords and Property Managers:

Advantages:

     • Faster delivery and tenant response times

     • Lower costs related to printing, mailing, and physical storage

     • Better organization and documentation for legal compliance

Challenges:

     • Tenants must clearly understand and agree to electronic delivery

     • Some may lack internet access or overlook emails

     • Notices could be missed due to spam filters or crowded inboxes

This bill reflects a broader trend toward digital transformation in property management. While it’s a step forward in terms of efficiency, it still requires thoughtful implementation to ensure fairness and accessibility for all tenants.

Also worth noting: House Bill 43, which could allow landlords to reuse tenant screening reports, is another proposal worth watching this session.

If anyone here is already using electronic notice systems, I’d be interested to hear how it’s working for you. What tools are you using? How are you handling consent and verification?

Let’s compare notes and stay ahead of the curve.

[Nathan Gesner]

My state (Wyoming) doesn't dictate how notice is given. If I have a business relationship with a tenant and they consent to communicating by email or text, then I can use email or text to send notifications. I always attempt to get a response as proof of receipt. 

Example: tenant prefers text communication. I send notice of a rent increase via email, but I also send a text letting them know to check their email. If they don't respond to the text or email, then I will phone. If they don't respond to the phone, then I will post notice on their door or send a certified letter.

Getting confirmation of receipt is the key.