Thinking about using a fake pay stub to qualify for an apartment in Florida? A new law could turn that decision into a felony charge.
Starting October 1, 2026, Florida law will make it a third-degree felony to knowingly use forged or counterfeit documents, including pay stubs and bank statements, to obtain a residential rental and take possession of the property. The law also covers certain false identity statements and impersonating someone else on a rental application.
That distinction matters: simply having a rental application denied is not the offense described in this law. The law specifically addresses people who use the listed forms of fraud to get into a rental property.
The measure was signed into law in June and takes effect next month. For renters trying to meet income requirements, it is a reminder that submitting fake documents can carry consequences far beyond losing out on an apartment.
