New Apopka Landlord? Compliance Basics in One List

New to renting out a home in Apopka? You are not alone. The quickest way to protect your investment and avoid headaches is to handle compliance right from day one. This guide gives you the essentials and a single checklist you can follow, whether you plan a long-term lease or a short-term rental.

Let’s dive in.

What Florida law requires

Florida sets the baseline rules for all residential landlords. Here are the highlights to keep top of mind:

• Security deposits. You must hold deposits in an approved way and follow strict timelines for notices and returns. If you intend to keep any part of the deposit, you must send written notice within 30 days or you lose the right to deduct. See the deposit rules in Florida law under Section 83.49. Review the statute.
• Habitability and safety. Keep the property in good repair and comply with building, housing, and health codes. For single‑family homes and duplexes, you must provide working smoke alarms at move‑in unless you shift this in writing. See Florida’s habitability duties.
• Entry and notice. Give reasonable notice before entering for non‑emergencies and avoid disruptive visits. Emergencies and tenant consent are exceptions. Read the access rules.
• Lead disclosure for older homes. If the home was built before 1978, you must give the federal lead hazard pamphlet and use the required lease disclosures. Get the federal guidance.

County and city rules to know

Apopka sits inside Orange County, so check both county and city items.

• Rent increase notices. Orange County’s Rental Notices ordinance requires 60 days’ written notice for rent increases over 5 percent and for some terminations of periodic tenancies. If your unit is inside the City of Apopka, verify how the county rule applies and keep proof of delivery. See the county ordinance summary.
• County help desk. Orange County’s Office of Tenant Services provides education, referrals, and complaint intake for county rules. They can clarify what applies inside Apopka city limits. Visit the Office of Tenant Services.
• Apopka Business Tax Receipt. Many rental operators need a City of Apopka Business Tax Receipt. The city also shares Code Enforcement contacts and notes the vacant or foreclosed property registry. Check Apopka’s FAQ hub.

Short‑term rentals in Florida

If you rent your home for short stays on a repeated basis, you may fall under the state’s vacation rental rules.

• DBPR licensing. Many short‑term rentals require a Florida DBPR vacation rental license. Review DBPR’s guide.
• Taxes. Short‑term or transient stays are generally taxable. You must register and remit state transient rental tax and any local surtaxes. See the Florida tax rule.

Your one‑list Apopka landlord checklist

1. Confirm rental use and HOA rules. Verify city zoning allows your intended rental use and check HOA covenants. Keep any approvals on file.
2. Secure your Apopka Business Tax Receipt. If required, obtain and renew it yearly. Save the receipt.
3. Determine if you need a DBPR vacation rental license. If you rent for stays under 30 days on a repeated basis, review requirements and apply if needed. Keep license and renewals.
4. Register for taxes if doing STRs. Register with Florida DOR and track tax filings and any platform remittances.
5. Set up the right insurance. Maintain landlord coverage for property and liability. Confirm STR coverage if applicable.
6. Install and test smoke alarms. Provide working smoke detectors at move‑in for single‑family and duplex homes unless shifted in writing. Record test dates and photos.
7. Add carbon monoxide alarms as required. Install where fuel‑burning appliances or an attached garage is present. Document locations and tests.
8. Check pool safety. If there is a pool, verify fencing, gates, and safety devices meet code. Keep inspection notes.
9. Provide lead disclosures for pre‑1978 homes. Give the federal pamphlet and include the Lead Warning Statement in the lease. Keep signed acknowledgments.
10. Decide how you will hold deposits. Use a compliant Florida bank account or a surety bond and provide the required written notice to the tenant within 30 days. Keep copies and delivery proof.
11. Use a clear written lease. Spell out responsibilities for utilities, repairs, notice addresses, pets, and smoking. Keep signed copies.
12. Document move‑in condition. Take dated photos and a checklist signed by the tenant. Store securely.
13. Create a maintenance response plan. Set up a process for repair requests, timelines, and recordkeeping. Keep invoices and logs.
14. Follow entry notice practices. Give reasonable notice for non‑emergency entries and track delivery. Keep a notice log.
15. Track rent increase and termination notices. If increasing rent more than 5 percent, issue a 60‑day notice where the county rule applies. Follow state timeframes for other terminations. Keep delivery proof.
16. Keep records 3 to 7 years. Store leases, notices, photos, invoices, tax filings, and insurance proofs.
17. Monitor code compliance. Maintain landscaping, exteriors, and trash service. Respond quickly to city Code Enforcement.

Top mistakes to avoid

• Mishandling security deposit notices and deadlines. A missed 30‑day claim notice can cost you deductions. Know the deposit rules.
• Skipping smoke and CO alarm checks. Test before move‑in and record it. Review safety obligations.
• Ignoring STR licensing and taxes. Many first‑time hosts miss DBPR and DOR requirements. Start with DBPR’s overview.

When to call for help

• County rule questions or referrals. Contact the Orange County Office of Tenant Services for guidance and resources. Get county help.
• City registration or code issues. Use the City of Apopka FAQ to reach Business Tax Receipt and Code Enforcement staff. Visit Apopka’s FAQ.
• State licensing and taxes for STRs. Use DBPR for licensing and Florida DOR for transient rental tax guidance. DBPR’s guide and Florida tax rule.

Ready to make compliance simple and keep your Apopka rental running smoothly? Our local, family‑run team can help you set up the right systems, place quality tenants, and manage day to day with care. Reach out to Winter Garden Real Estate & Property Management to get started.

FAQs

Security deposits in Apopka: how to hold and return?

• Hold deposits in a compliant Florida account or post a surety bond, give written disclosure within 30 days, return within 15 days if no claim, or send a claim notice within 30 days or you forfeit deductions; see Florida Section 83.49. Read the statute.

Smoke and CO alarms for Florida rentals: what is required?

• Provide working smoke alarms at move‑in for single‑family homes and duplexes unless shifted in writing, and install CO alarms where fuel‑burning appliances or an attached garage exist; follow code listings and test devices. See duties.

Rent increases over 5 percent in Apopka: what notice is needed?

• Orange County’s Rental Notices ordinance requires 60 days’ written notice for increases over 5 percent; verify applicability inside Apopka city limits and keep proof of delivery, then follow state renewal rules. View the ordinance summary.

Short‑term rentals in Apopka: do you need a DBPR license?

• Possibly, if you rent the entire unit for short stays on a repeated basis; review DBPR’s vacation rental classifications and register if required, and also register for transient rental taxes. Start here.

Where can new landlords get help in Orange County and Apopka?

• Use the Orange County Office of Tenant Services for county rules and referrals and the City of Apopka FAQ for BTR and code contacts; consult state DBPR and DOR for STR licenses and taxes. County help desk and Apopka’s FAQ.