ESA Letter Florida. Licensed Therapist, 24 Hours

No. Under the Fair Housing Act and Florida Statute 760.27, a valid ESA letter in Florida eliminates pet deposits, pet rent, and breed restrictions. Florida landlords have legal obligations under both state and federal law — state enforcement through the Florida Commission on Human Relations remains fully active.

Any mental health condition that significantly affects daily life qualifies for an ESA letter in Florida, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety.

A Florida ESA letter is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Most Florida landlords and condo associations require documentation issued within the past year.

Florida landlords are required to accommodate valid ESA letters under Florida Statute 760.27 and the federal Fair Housing Act. Florida Statute 760.27 establishes documentation standards and requires ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals after a proper evaluation. Florida Statute 817.265 also makes misrepresenting an animal as an ESA a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and 30 hours of mandatory community service. Read more about Florida ESA laws.

Yes. The Fair Housing Act applies to condo associations, HOAs, townhouses, single-family rentals, and most student housing in Florida — not just apartment landlords. A valid ESA letter eliminates pet fees and breed restrictions in any Florida housing covered by the FHA.

If your Florida landlord rejects your ESA letter, file a complaint directly with the Florida Commission on Human Relations at fchr.myflorida.com — state enforcement remains fully active. You can also file with HUD at hud.gov or call 1-800-669-9777. Contact us directly and we will liaise with your landlord on your behalf. If unresolved, you get a full refund.

No. ESA letters cover housing only under the Fair Housing Act. Florida ESAs do not have public access rights and airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs in the cabin. If you need public access and air travel rights, a PSD letter covers both with a task-trained dog. See PSD Letter Florida →