Florida Rental Fraud Now a Felony for Winter Park Residents

Winter Park renters who knowingly use fake documents or false identities to secure a home now face third-degree felony charges. A new Florida law, effective Oct. 1, targets individuals providing fraudulent information to landlords. The measure specifically addresses the use of fake or altered identification, bank statements and pay stubs.

To be charged, a person must knowingly and willfully use false information or fraudulent documents to secure and take possession of a rental home. An honest error on an application will not automatically result in felony charges.

A third-degree felony in Florida carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Landlords may also use proven fraud as grounds to terminate a lease, but they must follow established Florida eviction procedures.

The issue of fraudulent rental applications is common for property managers. Chris Rich of The Realty Medics said his Central Florida company developed internal software to analyze submitted documents for signs of editing, helping identify fraudulent files before acceptance.