Under both federal and Florida law, landlords have to accept emotional support animals provided that a tenant provides the appropriate documentation. Even if you have a no-pets policy in place, a tenant could still bring in an ESA because they are not considered pets.

When can a landlord legally reject an ESA in Florida?

(a) Deny a reasonable accommodation request for an emotional support animal if such animal poses a direct threat to the safety or health of others or poses a direct threat of physical damage to the property of others, which threat cannot be reduced or eliminated by another reasonable accommodation.

Can a landlord deny an ESA letter in Florida?

Unless the animal would pose a safety or health threat to others, housing providers are prohibited from denying housing to a person who requires an ESA to alleviate symptoms of an emotional disability.

Can a landlord charge a pet deposit for an emotional support animal in Florida?

Can a landlord in Florida charge a fee for an emotional support animal? No. Landlords cannot charge additional rent or other pet-related fees for an emotional support animal. However, Florida law does hold the ESA owner liable for any damage their animal causes to people or property within the housing premises.

What are the requirements for an emotional support dog in Florida?

Seniors fear losing home due to lot fee increase at Holiday Park Mobile

Do I have to tell my landlord I have an emotional support animal in Florida?

Under both federal and Florida law, landlords have to accept emotional support animals provided that a tenant provides the appropriate documentation.

What is the new emotional support animal law in Florida?

Florida ESA Housing Laws

That means that a landlord can't refuse to rent to a tenant with a physical or mental impairment. The FHA also requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for a person with a disability, including allowing their assistance animal or service animal to live with them.

Can emotional support dogs be denied housing in Florida?

But what happens when a tenant wants to have an emotional support animal (ESA)? Under both federal and Florida law, landlords have to accept emotional support animals provided that a tenant provides the appropriate documentation.

Can I get around a no pet policy with an emotional support animal?

Ultimately, allowing a renter to live with an emotional support animal despite a no pet policy is up to the discretion of the landlord or management company, even if provided with proper documentation from a licensed mental health professional.

Do ESA letters expire in Florida?

Remember, an ESA letter is a prescription to help you get better; therefore, it won't last forever. Your doctor will need to evaluate your condition and decide whether you should continue with the prescription. After 12 months, you will need to get a new letter from your healthcare provider.

Do ESA letters work in Florida?

The only way to legally recognize an emotional support animal is to obtain an ESA letter from a mental health professional licensed in Florida or whichever state you seek accommodations in. Emotional support animals are welcomed into most housing situations, some airlines, and public areas where pets are allowed.

Can a Florida condo association deny an emotional support animal?

While condominium associations are generally required to make accommodations for emotional support animals, there are a few exceptions. Associations are allowed to create fair rules by which the emotional support animal and its owner must abide.

Can a landlord deny rental assistance Florida?

Under Florida law, there is no requirement for your landlord to accept Emergency Rental Assistance funding. My landlord does not want to wait for Emergency Rental Assistance Funding, can they file an eviction?

Can a landlord ask for proof of service dog in Florida?

The law states that housing providers can only ask the following: "Housing providers may ask individuals who have disabilities that are not readily apparent or known to the provider to submit reliable documentation of a disability and their disability-related need for a service animal....

What is the Fair Housing Act in Florida?

It is against the law to do any of the following based on race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, familial status, or religion: Refuse to rent or sell housing. Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, rental or sale. Refuse to make a mortgage loan.

Can a cat be an emotional support animal?

Yes, cats can be emotional support animals (ESAs). An emotional support cat can comfort someone with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues.

What animals are not allowed to be emotional support animals?

Are Any Animals Excluded From Being ESAs? The law does not exclude any particular kind of animal from becoming an ESA. However, commonsense needs to prevail.

What does an ESA letter look like?

An emotional support animal letter should include a few things. The first thing that should be on an ESA letter is a statement that you have a disability that qualifies for an emotional support animal. Confidentiality laws will protect you here, and details about your specific disability need not be included.

How do you get around no pet rule?

If you have no need for an emotional support animal, then your only option is to ask your landlord for an exception to the no-pet policy, explaining that you intend to be a good owner. If you've owned a dog before, you could cite that as evidence of your responsibility.

What disqualifies a dog from being an emotional support animal?

Furthermore, even a dog will not qualify as a service dog if it is not individually trained to help an individual with a disability (in a way that is related to his or her disability).

Is an emotional support dog a service dog in Florida?

Emotional support animals are not trained to perform a specific task for their owner, and due to that they are not qualified as a service dog, nor do they have public access rights.

Are emotional support dogs allowed in hotels in Florida?

While Florida law allows emotional support animals in hotels, individual establishments may have their own policies regarding these animals. Some hotels may have restrictions on the size or breed of the animal, while others may require advance notice or charge additional fees.

How to get an emotional support animal certificate in Florida?

To qualify for an ESA, a letter must be issued by a licensed mental health professional or physician verifying their patient's need for a support animal. However, there is no requirement that an ESA wear a tag or harness indicating that it is a support animal.

Can a pitbull be an emotional support dog in Florida?

Pit Bulls can be wonderful emotional support dogs and if they do not cause a disturbance or any damages they must be accepted by your landlord as an ESA. Your dog must be well behaved and be under your control to qualify as an emotional support animal.

Does Florida protect emotional support animals?

Emotional support animals are exempt from pet restrictions and fees. Florida landlords must comply with the Fair Housing Act. Additionally, the state passed a law in 2020 to clarify ESA rules.

---