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Renting a Home in Florida: What to Expect from the Application, Deposit and Screening
From the first showing to the day you get the keys, here is how a Florida rental application usually works, what it costs up front and how to improve your chances of approval.
By Lorena Moscoso, Realtor®
Finding a home you like is the easy part. The application, the deposit and the screening are where many renters feel unsure. Here is the process in plain language.
Before you apply
Read the listing carefully for the monthly rent, the lease length, the available date and the pet policy. Many landlords look for a gross monthly income of about three times the monthly rent, though each property sets its own requirement. On our rental listings, the lease card shows the income that rent calls for, so you can check before you apply.
The costs up front
Expect to pay several things before you move in:
- An application fee, paid when you apply
- A security deposit, which the landlord holds and must handle and return according to Florida law
- The first month's rent, and sometimes the last month's rent as well, so read the listing for what applies
- Any pet deposits or monthly pet fees, if you have an animal
Add them together to find your true move-in total, and ask for the number in writing.
What goes into the application
You will be asked for your contact details, who will live in the home, your current and previous addresses and landlord, your employer and your income. Our online application collects this information in one place. It never asks for your Social Security number, ID scans, pay stubs or bank statements.
How screening works
Credit, background and rental-history checks are done by TransUnion SmartMove, not on this website. After you apply, each adult receives an invitation by email and completes their part directly with SmartMove. Check your spam folder if you do not see it, and complete it promptly, because the application cannot move forward until the screening is finished.
How to strengthen your application
- Apply with complete, accurate information; mismatches slow things down
- Have your employer's contact details and your income information ready
- Be upfront about your history and add a short explanation of any past issue
- Answer the screening invitation as soon as it arrives
If you are declined
If the decision is based on information in a screening report, you have the right to learn which reporting company supplied it and to request a copy of your report. If something in it is wrong, you can dispute it with the reporting company. You can then apply again once the problem is fixed.
Fair treatment
Housing providers must treat all applicants fairly under federal and Florida fair housing laws. Decisions should be based on the same objective criteria for everyone.
Ready to apply?
Browse current rentals and apply online in a few minutes. Lorena can answer your questions in English or Spanish.
This guide was written with AI assistance for general information. It is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice; rules and costs change, so confirm the details for your own situation with the relevant professional or official source.