SB 948 is Florida’s new flood-disclosure law for rentals (and more). It passed unanimously in both chambers, was signed in June 2025, and took effect October 1, 2025. If you lease homes or small multifamily in Tampa Bay, you must include a compliant flood disclosure in your leases.
What SB 948 does (in plain English)
SB 948 expands Florida’s flood-risk disclosures beyond sales to long-term residential leases (12+ months) and other housing contexts. Landlords must provide tenants with a separate flood disclosure form before lease signing, stating whether they are aware of any prior flooding, insurance claims, or FEMA assistance related to the property. The bill also updates disclosures for sellers, condo/co-op developers, and mobile home parks.
Key points for landlords:
- Disclosure must be its own separate document, not buried in the lease.
- Applies to leases of one year or more.
- Tenants who aren’t given the disclosure and later suffer major flood-related losses may have rights to terminate and get refunds of prepaid rent for periods after termination.
A timeline on SB 948
- Spring 2025: SB 948 moves through committees and to floor votes.
- Senate vote (Apr 9, 2025): 37–0 in favor.
- House vote (Apr 29, 2025): 114–0 in favor
- June 20, 2025: Signed by the Governor and assigned Chapter No. 2025-166.
- Effective date: October 1, 2025.
Unanimous votes tell you a lot: lawmakers across the board wanted clearer flood transparency for renters and buyers in a state where flood exposure is a real risk.
What landlords need to do for SB 948
- Use the statutory form language. Don’t paraphrase. Keep a standalone “Flood Disclosure” in your lease packet.
- Issue it before signatures. The disclosure must be delivered before lease execution for 12-month (or longer) terms.
- Answer truthfully. Disclose known prior flooding, any insurance claims, and FEMA assistance. If you’re unsure, check your files and ask owners.
- Train your team. Leasing agents and assistants should know exactly when/how to present and collect the form.
- Document and retain. Keep signed copies with each lease file and in your PM software for auditability.
- Update owner onboarding. Add flood-history questions to your intake process to prevent new units from slipping through.
SB 948 FAQs for Landlords
- Does SB 948 apply to all rentals? SB 948 only applies to residential leases of 12+ months. It does not apply to short-term or seasonal rentals.
- What if a tenant floods but I did the disclosure? Standard lease terms apply; the special termination/refund rights are aimed at non-disclosure situations where the tenant later suffers substantial flood loss.
- Can I tuck the disclosure inside my lease PDF? Best practice is a separate document to match statutory intent and avoid disputes.
Bottom line for Pinellas, Hillsborough & Pasco
SB 948 is here, unanimous, and enforceable. If you manage homes near the Gulf, bay inlets, or inland drainage corridors, add the flood disclosure into your leasing process today. It protects both tenants and your business from preventable churn and conflicts.
SB 948 Compliance Help in Tampa
Vintage Real Estate Services can review your lease flow, owner onboarding, and document templates to ensure you’re fully prepared for SB 948 in Tampa Bay.
Click Here to Book a Free Rental Portfolio Compliance Review
