From the Office of Florida Senator LaVon Bracy-Davis
TALLAHASSEE – Representative Johanna López (D-Orlando) and Senator LaVon Bracy Davis (D-Orlando) have filed House Bill 107 and Senate Bill 142, respectively, to allow survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking to safely terminate their rental agreements without financial penalty.
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HB 107 / SB 142 addresses a critical barrier that keeps survivors trapped in dangerous situations: the inability to break a lease without facing substantial financial consequences. Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and families, and survivors often remain in unsafe homes because they cannot afford early termination fees or forfeited deposits.
Under current law, there are no clear protections for tenants fleeing violence. This legislation would establish a safe and confidential process for survivors to terminate their leases by providing written notice and documentation, such as a protective order, law enforcement report, or verification from a certified domestic violence center. The bill also requires landlords to change locks within 24 hours upon request and protects survivors' confidential information from being shared or entered into databases.
HB 107 / SB 142 balances tenant protections with fairness to landlords by allowing them to collect up to 30 days of rent after notice and holding perpetrators, if they are co-tenants, fully liable for their share of rent and damages.
“As a survivor of domestic violence, I know firsthand the importance of ensuring that victims are protected and supported,” said Representative López. “As elected officials, our responsibility is to prioritize their safety above all else. This bill eliminates a major barrier to that safety, allowing survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity, free from the fear of damaged credit or the inability to secure a safe home for themselves and their families.”
“Far too often, victims are forced to choose between their safety and their stability, a choice no one should ever have to make,” Senator LaVon Bracy Davis added. “This bill ensures that survivors of abuse can reclaim their freedom without facing financial ruin. By giving them a safe way out, we are saying loud and clear: your safety matters, your dignity matters, and your life matters.”
If enacted, these bills would take effect on July 1st, 2026.
