New ownership and tenant debt??

[Shalom Benton]

After purchasing a multi family, I have come to find out that a few of the tenants have back rents owed. Do I have rights to pursue the back rent? My thoughts are that I have purchased the tenant debt along with the property ownership, since I’m honoring their leases.

Can I pursue back rents since the old leases are still active?

I haven’t started new leases with the tenants yet.

Per Florida tenant landlord law.

Thanks !