Apartment Water Damage in Florida: What to Do

If water is coming into your Florida apartment, tell your landlord or property manager right away and follow up in writing, then photograph the damage and your belongings. Florida law requires landlords to keep rentals up to building, housing and health codes (s. 83.51). If a casualty substantially impairs the unit, you may end the lease and move out (s. 83.63); for other failures, written notice and 7 days come first (s. 83.56). The landlord's insurance generally covers the building, not your belongings.

Landlord or property manager with water in a unit? Call or text CFDR at 321-420-7274: Ryan matches Central Florida rentals with a restoration company.

Your Landlord's Legal Obligations

Section 83.51 requires landlords to comply with applicable building, housing and health codes. Roof leaks, plumbing failures and water intrusion that creates a mold hazard fall within those duties, so tell the landlord in writing what you found and when. The statute does not set a number of hours or days for a repair; the written-notice rules below set the clock.

If Your Landlord Doesn't Fix It

Different rules need different written notices:

• To end the lease for a failure to maintain (s. 83.56): give written notice that describes the problem and states your intent to terminate the rental agreement because of it. If the landlord does not correct the problem within 7 days of delivery, you may terminate.
• To withhold rent (s. 83.60(1)(b)): a rent-withholding defense needs its own 7-day written notice that describes the problem and states your intent to withhold rent. Without that notice, withholding rent can leave you facing an eviction for nonpayment.
• After a casualty (s. 83.63): if the unit is damaged so that your enjoyment of it is substantially impaired, you may end the lease and immediately vacate.

Keep paying rent unless you have followed those steps. This is a summary, not legal advice: have a Florida attorney or your local legal aid office read your notice before you rely on it.

Document Everything Immediately

• Photos and video of all affected areas, timestamps on
• Text or email your landlord immediately (creates a written record)
• Follow up in writing even if you called verbally
• Keep a log of every communication with dates and times
• Photograph any damaged belongings before moving them

If the water came from the unit above, see water from the upstairs neighbor.

Your Renter's Insurance

Your landlord's insurance generally covers the building, not your personal belongings. Renter's insurance covers your furniture, electronics, clothing and other belongings damaged by water events, and it typically covers temporary housing costs (loss of use) if your unit becomes uninhabitable. Ask an agent for a quote and read what the policy excludes. Claim timelines: Florida claim deadlines.

Mold from Water Damage

EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If the landlord delays drying and mold develops, document any visible mold, note any health symptoms, and put your request for professional drying or remediation in writing, not just painting over the problem.

If You Rent: Who Repairs?

If you rent, the landlord decides who repairs the building. You can still photograph and log everything. Landlords and property managers can call CFDR at 321-420-7274. If water is also in your own unit right now, start with House flooded? Who to call, in order.