I read it in a newsletter and checked online; proposed water rate increase starting 7/1/2016 of 11%, about $8 per month.

Why not have him pay rent electronically (using PayPal's free option or one of the many other free/cheap options)?

In order to continue with this online application, you'll need to review the Application Agreement carefully and acknowledge that you accept its terms.1) Signing this application (electronic or otherwise) indicates that applicant has had the opportunity to review landlords tenant selection criteria, which is listed above and available upon request.

I personally wouldn't want to accept cash because I would like an electronic paper trail of sorts. 

Cash payments can't be tracked easily and  electronic payment options are plentiful -all you need is an email.

You can apply, complete a lease, sign the lease and pay the deposit all electronically.  

And I'm old enough to realize that even though I don't have anything very fancy, when you look at replacing your furniture and clothing and pots and pans and bedding, let alone your electronics, it sure adds up in a hurry.I have never needed my homeowners or renter's insurance policies, but I would never be without them.  

They shouldn't have an NSF Fee for electronic payments as worst case it would be a credit then debit from their account as it shouldn't be treated as a returned check by their bank.  

They can sign it electronically but in FL the landlord has to sign the lease and have it witnessed by two people if the lease is for more than one year.

"picking up rent"  is a foreign concept to me. either snail mail, or electronic!