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HB 241

Contracts; convenience fees for payment by electronic means; revise provisions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carter Barrett and 5 co-sponsors

HB 241 aimed to require landlords to maintain cooling systems below 82°F during heat waves, enhancing tenant rights and ensuring safer living conditions in Florida.

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Bill Summary · HB 241

Summary of HB 241: Landlord Obligations and Construction Contracting

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 241
- Title: Landlord Obligations and Construction Contracting
- Status: Withdrawn prior to introduction
- Introduced: October 21, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Civil practice and procedure, subject index

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 241 was to establish clearer obligations for landlords regarding the maintenance of rental properties, specifically focusing on cooling equipment and other habitability standards. The bill aimed to enhance tenant protections by ensuring that landlords provide and maintain adequate cooling systems and other essential services in rental units.

Key Provisions

Amendments to Landlord Obligations

  • Cooling Equipment Requirements:
    • Landlords would be required to provide and maintain cooling equipment capable of keeping indoor temperatures at or below 82 degrees Fahrenheit when the outdoor heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Landlords must repair or replace malfunctioning cooling equipment within 3 business days of receiving written notice from tenants.

Definitions Introduced

  • Cooling Equipment: Defined as appliances designed to cool indoor air, including central air systems, packaged terminal air conditioners, and mini-split heat pumps.
  • Habitable Room: Defined as spaces for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking, excluding bathrooms, closets, and similar areas.
  • Outdoor Heat Index: Defined based on temperature and humidity as reported by the National Weather Service.

Additional Provisions

  • Landlords would be required to ensure the clean and safe condition of common areas, provide functioning heating facilities, and manage pest extermination.
  • The bill included provisions for smoke detection devices in single-family homes and duplexes.

Exceptions and Limitations

  • The bill would not apply to mobile homes owned by tenants or if local ordinances prohibit the installation of cooling equipment.
  • Local governments would retain the authority to impose stricter habitability standards.

Impact

If enacted, HB 241 would have significantly impacted landlords and tenants in Florida by:
- Increasing the responsibilities of landlords to maintain essential services, particularly cooling systems, which are critical in Florida's climate.
- Providing tenants with more rights regarding the habitability of their living conditions, potentially reducing disputes over maintenance issues.

Legislative Actions

  • October 21, 2025: Bill filed.
  • October 28, 2025: Referred to multiple subcommittees including Industries & Professional Activities, Civil Justice & Claims, and Commerce Committee.
  • November 5, 2025: Withdrawn prior to introduction.

Sponsors

  • Primary Sponsor: Albert

This summary provides an overview of HB 241, highlighting its intended reforms regarding landlord obligations and tenant protections. Although the bill was withdrawn before introduction, its provisions reflect ongoing discussions about housing standards and tenant rights in Florida.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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