Sarasota County, Florida landlord rules
What changes, and what doesn't, when your rental is in Sarasota County (Sarasota, North Port, Venice). Most rules come from Florida state law. See the Florida page first.
Beginner tip: start with the Florida state rules. A county only adds a few local extras.
Florida state baseline
Florida's statewide landlord-tenant law (Fla. Stat. ch. 83, Part II) is the main rulebook in Sarasota County. Start with our Florida page, then use this page only for local extras.
Florida state rules →
Source: Fla. Stat. ch. 83, Part II · Checked 2026-10-23
HB 1417 preemption (2023)
Since July 1, 2023, the State of Florida alone regulates residential tenancies and the landlord-tenant relationship. Any county or city rule on screening, security deposits, applications and application fees, lease terms, landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities, disclosures, landlord fees, or notice requirements is superseded. The same law raised the month-to-month termination notice from 15 to 30 days.
Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.425; Ch. 2023-314, Laws of Fla. · Checked 2026-10-23
Who's protected everywhere in Florida
Federal law and the Florida Fair Housing Act already ban housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, familial status and religion.
Source: Fla. Stat. § 760.23 · Checked 2026-10-23
Local tenant ordinance (after 2023 preemption)
Check with your county. We haven't confirmed this local rule from the official code yet, so we don't state it here. Rules can differ by city too. Sarasota County official site → · Florida local codes (Municode) →
Rental registration, licensing and inspections
Check with your county. We haven't confirmed this local rule from the official code yet, so we don't state it here. Rules can differ by city too. Sarasota County official site → · Florida local codes (Municode) →
Local fair-housing protected classes
Check with your county. We haven't confirmed this local rule from the official code yet, so we don't state it here. Rules can differ by city too. Sarasota County official site → · Florida local codes (Municode) →
Short-term rental rules
Check with your county. We haven't confirmed this local rule from the official code yet, so we don't state it here. Rules can differ by city too. Sarasota County official site → · Florida local codes (Municode) →
Security deposits
The state rules apply. There's no state cap. Hold the deposit in a separate Florida bank account or post a surety bond. Return it within 15 days if you make no claim, or send a written claim notice within 30 days by certified mail (or by email if the tenant agreed to email notices under § 83.505). Local deposit rules are preempted by § 83.425.
Source: Fla. Stat. §§ 83.49, 83.425 · Checked 2026-10-23
Eviction process
Florida's statewide process applies. For unpaid rent, deliver a 3-day written notice (not counting weekends and court holidays). If the tenant doesn't pay or move out, file a complaint for possession in Sarasota County Court. Landlords can't lock out a tenant or cut off utilities themselves (self-help eviction). Filing and records are handled by the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller.
Official site →
Source: Fla. Stat. §§ 83.56(3), 83.59 · Checked 2026-10-23
Housing authority
Check with your county. We haven't confirmed this local rule from the official code yet, so we don't state it here. Rules can differ by city too. Sarasota County official site → · Florida local codes (Municode) →
Sources are official state, county and court sites. Federal rules also apply.
← Back to Florida landlord-tenant law
General information only. Not legal advice. RentToolkit is not a law firm. Laws and local ordinances change, so check the official source and talk to a licensed Florida attorney before acting.