New Florida Laws October 1, 2026: What Broward and Palm Beach Landlords, Renters and Homeowners Should Know

Updated September 29, 2026, from the Florida Legislature's bill pages and final bill analyses, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, and The Friendly Scoop.

New Florida Laws Start October 1: What Matters for Broward and Palm Beach Real Estate

Most of the bills Florida passed this year took effect July 1. A smaller group starts October 1, 2026, and a few of them touch housing directly. One gives landlords a new tool against fake rental applications. Another was written about one specific spot in north Broward. Here is what changes and what it means if you own, rent, buy or sell here.

Fake Rental Applications Become a Felony (HB 1293)

Starting October 1, it's a crime to move into a rental home by using a false identity, fake or forged documents, or by pretending to be the person named on the application. It's a third-degree felony, which in Florida can carry up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The bigger change for landlords is on the lease side. The law treats fraudulent entry as a violation the tenant doesn't get a chance to fix. That means a landlord can end the lease with written notice, and the tenant has 7 days to move out. This applies whether or not criminal charges are filed.

If you own a rental in Broward or Palm Beach:

• Tighten your screening. Verify ID, income and rental history directly with the source, not just from documents the applicant hands you.
• Keep copies of everything submitted with the application. If you ever need to use the new rule, you'll need proof.
• Have your lease and notices reviewed so they line up with the new law. Using it the wrong way can backfire.

If you're renting: expect more thorough background and income checks. Have your real documents ready and apply only through the owner or a licensed agent you can verify.

Mount Trashmore: The Law Written About Broward (HB 4039)

HB 4039 requires Broward County to do a feasibility study and hold a public hearing before it approves any permit, zoning change or development order that would let the Monarch Hill Landfill grow. Most people know it as Mount Trashmore. It sits off Wiles Road near the Turnpike, between Pompano Beach, Coconut Creek and Deerfield Beach.

Waste Management has pushed to make it taller and wider, and the county approved an expansion in early 2025 after a lot of pushback from nearby cities. The new law doesn't stop future plans, but it means residents get a study and a public hearing first.

If you own or are looking in Coconut Creek, north Pompano Beach or Deerfield Beach: watch for the hearing notice. It's your chance to be heard, and it's good information to have if you're buying near the site.

Minimum Wage Hits $15 on September 30

This one arrives a day early. Florida's minimum wage goes from $14 to $15 an hour on September 30, 2026, and the cash wage for tipped workers goes to $11.98. It's the last of the yearly $1 steps voters approved in 2020. After this, increases follow inflation.

If you run a business, a property management company, or pay anyone hourly for cleaning, landscaping or turnovers, check that payroll reflects the new rate starting September 30.

If You Drive (SB 488)

• Starting October 1, a crash has to be reported to police right away only if damage looks like $2,000 or more (up from $500), unless someone is hurt. Still take photos and trade information. A police report can help with an insurance claim.
• License plate frames are allowed as long as they don't cover the plate number, letters or registration sticker.
• Disabled veterans get more options for "DV" plates, including keeping the same plate number when it's renewed or transferred.

More Laws Starting October 1

• Pretrial no-contact orders (HB 397): starting October 1, breaking one while out on pretrial release for a violent crime becomes its own offense.
• Career offender registry (SB 1332): starting October 1, certain repeat violent offenders must register with the sheriff each year.

What This Means for Homeowners, Landlords and Buyers

• Landlords: the rental fraud law gives you a faster way out of a lease obtained with fake documents, but only if your screening and paperwork are solid. Review both before October 1.
• Renters: screening will likely get stricter. Be ready with real documents and verify who you're renting from.
• Buyers and sellers near Monarch Hill: any future expansion now needs a study and a public hearing. Keep an eye on the county's calendar.

If you own a rental, are thinking about buying one, or just want to know how a new law affects your home, I'm happy to talk it through.

Questions About Your Rental or Your Next Move?

Call or text me at (561) 289-9305 or email chris@homesbycusi.com.

Sources: Florida Senate, CS/HB 1293 (2026) and its final House bill analysis; Florida Senate, HB 4039 (2026); Florida Senate, 2026 bill summary, SB 488; Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Minimum Wage; The Friendly Scoop, "Every New Florida Law Taking Effect October 1, and the One That Is About Broward".