Tampa Landlord Tenant Attorney | Florida Eviction & Lease Dispute Lawyer

Last updated on October 9, 2025

Landlord/tenant law in Florida is a dynamic area of practice that requires a deep understanding to effectively protect and advocate for your rights. At Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, we help landlords and tenants throughout Tampa, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, and all of Florida navigate these complex laws. From drafting and reviewing lease agreements to handling evictions and disputes over security deposits, our legal team provides robust support. Whether you are a landlord protecting your investment or a tenant defending your rights, we offer experienced counsel to address landlord-tenant issues.

Landlords face a myriad of legal challenges, from adhering to housing regulations to managing tenant relationships. We specialize in addressing these issues with proactive solutions that can help prevent future disputes and litigate on your behalf when conflicts arise. Tenants may face unfair evictions, habitability issues, or illegal lockouts. Our firm provides knowledgeable counsel tailored to the real estate industry’s unique needs and your specific situation.

Florida Landlord Tenant Law: Chapter 83, Florida Statutes

Florida’s landlord-tenant relationship is primarily governed by Chapter 83, Florida Statutes, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. This law covers:

• Lease requirements and enforceability
• Security deposit rules (15 or 30-day return deadlines)
• Eviction procedures (3-day, 7-day, and 15-day notices)
• Landlord obligations (maintain habitability, make repairs)
• Tenant rights (withhold rent for repairs in certain circumstances)
• Unlawful detainer and ejectment actions
• Damages and attorney’s fees provisions

Both landlords and tenants must comply with Chapter 83’s specific procedures and timelines to protect their legal rights. Failure to follow these requirements can result in dismissal of eviction cases for landlords or default judgments against tenants.

Addressing the Common Issues Landlords and Tenants Face

Florida law requires very specific timelines and procedures that a landlord or property manager must comply with when attempting to evict a tenant in order to avoid dismissal of the case. Likewise, a tenant must also abide by certain timelines in order to prevent a default and grant an eviction against them.

Our real estate litigation attorneys at Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law, PLLC are here to help guide you every step of the way. We can assist with a wide range of landlord/tenant concerns in Tampa, Clearwater, and throughout Florida, including:

• Failure to pay rent
• Ejections and unlawful detainers
• Evictions
• Residential and commercial evictions
• Lease drafting and negotiation
• Property maintenance and repair
• Implied warranty of habitability
• Security deposit disputes
• Abandonment
• Ground leases
• Quiet enjoyment

Whether you are a landlord seeking to protect your investment or a tenant facing legal concerns, Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law, PLLC is here to assist you. We understand the importance of a well-managed property and the peace of mind that comes with experienced legal assistance.

Contact Our Tampa Landlord Tenant Attorneys

Time is critical in landlord-tenant disputes. Landlords must follow precise procedures to avoid dismissal. Tenants must also act quickly to protect their rights and avoid default in eviction proceedings.

Contact us to schedule a consultation where we can discuss the specifics of your situation and provide the legal guidance you need. You can reach us by calling (727) 275-9575 or by filling out our online contact form.

Let our experienced attorneys at Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law, PLLC offer you the dedicated support and representation you need in Florida’s landlord/tenant law landscape. We are committed to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients and ensuring that their legal needs are met with the highest level of professionalism and care.

Serving Tampa, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, and all of Florida.