Palm Beach County Enacts Law Targeting Rental Fraud

New legislation, HB 1293, was passed in Palm Beach County and takes effect on October 1. The law establishes the crime of “fraudulent entry of a residential dwelling unit,” which is classified as a third-degree felony. This targets individuals who knowingly use false identity information, counterfeit documents, or impersonation to secure a rental home. The measure also grants landlords a new mechanism to end a lease without allowing the tenant an opportunity to correct the violation.

The new law introduces specific criminal penalties for rental fraud, which is intended to reduce financial risk and stabilize the local housing market. By providing landlords with new legal recourse, the measure directly impacts the operational security of residential property owners.