Florida may expand what landlords must tell tenants about flooding

Zoom in: The state Legislature passed a bill that, if signed, would extend flood risk disclosures to renters, similar to those required for home sales.

• The bill requires landlords to inform prospective tenants of any known flooding that has affected a rental unit, any insurance claims filed and any assistance received for the damage.
• If the landlord doesn't do so and "substantial" damage occurs, under the bill, the tenant can terminate the lease within 30 days and receive a refund for any rent paid in advance.

The big picture: Florida received a "D" from the Natural Resources Defense Council for its current flood disclosure law because it doesn't require the disclosure of flood damage for which no claim was filed.

• The bill requires sellers to disclose any flooding that has damaged the property during their ownership.
• It also expands the requirement to disclose whether the property has received federal assistance to include state, local and private flood-related assistance.

What's next: The bill awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature. If signed, it would take effect Oct. 1.