In Florida, landlords are prohibited from several actions to protect tenants' rights under state law. Key things a landlord cannot do include:

• Locking out tenants or changing locks without a court order. This is considered an illegal "self-help" eviction

• Shutting off or interfering with utilities such as water, electricity, or gas without a court order, even if rent is unpaid

• Evicting tenants immediately without proper legal process, including required written notices and court proceedings

• Entering the rental property without proper notice (typically at least 12 hours) except in emergencies

• Demanding excessive security deposits or fees beyond what is allowed by law, or unfairly withholding security deposits after tenancy ends

• Retaliating against tenants for exercising their legal rights, such as complaining about living conditions

• Discriminating against tenants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or family status, including failing to make reasonable accommodations for disabilities

• Including illegal or unenforceable provisions in lease agreements, such as waiving tenants' rights to due process or imposing excessive late fees

• Neglecting maintenance and habitability responsibilities, such as failing to provide functional plumbing, heating, or adequate security devices

• Increasing rent during a lease term or without proper written notice when the lease is for a fixed term of one year or more

• Removing tenants' belongings or interfering with their possession of the rental unit without following legal eviction procedures

• Misleading tenants about their legal rights or the landlord’s obligations

These restrictions are primarily governed by the Florida Residential Landlord Tenant Act and related statutes, designed to ensure fair treatment and legal protections for tenants while outlining landlords' duties

. In summary, Florida landlords must follow legal eviction processes, respect tenant privacy and rights, maintain the property, avoid discrimination and retaliation, and comply with rules on deposits, fees, and rent increases. Violations can result in legal consequences for landlords