Big News for Florida Landlords and Tenants: Legal Notices Can Now Be Sent by Email!

If you’re a Florida landlord, property manager, or tenant, buckle up—because a major legal shift just landed that changes the way we handle rental notices in the Sunshine State. 🚨

It’s called House Bill 615, and starting July 1st, Florida law will allow legal notices to be delivered by email—yes, email! This change affects everything from lease violations to security deposit claims, and it could save everyone time, money, and headaches.

Let’s walk through what this means for you.

So, What’s Actually Changing?

Traditionally, legal notices had to be:

• Taped to doors

• Hand-delivered

• Mailed via certified mail

• Served by a process server

That’s a lot of legwork (and postage)! Now, thanks to efforts by the Florida Apartment Association, the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), and the legal office of Heist, Weiss & Wolk, this new law makes it 100% legal to send notices by email—as long as certain conditions are met.

When Does This Take Effect?

🗓️ July 1st, 2025

That’s when you can officially start using email for legal notices—assuming you follow the guidelines laid out in the new law.

What You Need to Know About House Bill 615

Here are the highlights:

✅ Tenants Must Opt In (Voluntarily)

This isn’t automatic. Tenants must agree in writing—through a specific-worded addendum—to receive notices via email. The addendum is a standalone document, not just a line buried in the lease.

📝 The Addendum Has Two Options:

1. "Yes, I agree to receive legal notices by email."

2. The tenant lists their email address.

3. "No, I do not agree."

4. Everything stays the old posting way.

🔄 They Can Change Their Mind

• A tenant can opt out at any time in writing.

• They can also change their email address, and the new one takes effect the moment it’s received.

👨‍💼 Landlords Can Opt In, Too

Property managers and landlords can also allow for tenants to contact them for legal notices through email with the same worded addendum.

What Kinds of Notices Can Be Emailed?

Just about everything, including:

• 3-Day notices for unpaid rent

• 7-Day notices to cure violations

• 7-Day termination notices (no cure)

• Notices of entry

• Security deposit claim letters

• Lease renewals or non-renewals

• Pest extermination vacancy notices

• Change of address for the landlord or manager

• Changes in security deposit bank accounts

🎯 Bottom line: If it’s a legal rental notice, you can probably send it via email—if the tenant agrees.

Why This Matters (and Why It’s a Win-Win)

For Property Managers & Landlords:

• Save hours of admin time

• Cut out mail delivery delays

• Lower postage and certified mail costs

• Avoid dangerous or confrontational face-to-face notice deliveries

• Maintain digital records easily

For Tenants:

• No more awkward door postings

• Maintain privacy and dignity

• Don’t need to drive across town to drop off a notice

• Avoid lost or delayed mail (and the drama that comes with it)

What Happens If the Email Doesn’t Go Through?

If the email bounces back as undeliverable, it’s not legally valid. You’ll need to try again using another method.

But if it doesn’t bounce back, it’s considered legally delivered—so hold on to your sent emails! A bounced email is your only “red flag” that something went wrong.

Things Property Managers Should Watch Out For

• Keep backups of all legal emails

• Don’t delete your “Sent” folder emails—especially for time-sensitive notices

• Set clear procedures for handling email changes and opt-out requests

• Designate one company email for incoming notices and monitor it closely

• Print and store key emails if you keep paper tenant files

Also, consider keeping a hybrid system for critical notices like non-renewals or evictions. Judges may want more proof than a single email.

How Should You Introduce This to Tenants?

Let’s face it: some tenants will love this. Others may be skeptical. That’s okay. Education is key.

Tips for rolling it out:

• Include an explanation during lease signings

• Offer a FAQ sheet

• Reassure tenants that email is optional

• Highlight the privacy and convenience

Some tenants will jump at the chance. Others may need a little more education.

Final Thoughts from Michael McVety

This law is a big step forward. It’s designed to streamline processes, reduce risk, and make life easier for both sides of the lease. But like any new system, it’s only as good as your procedures.

Ask yourself:

• Are you tracking consent properly?

• Is your team trained on the new workflow?

• Do you have a system to log and archive notices?

Put those pieces in place, and you’ll be ready to roll on July 1st.