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Committee approves bill letting tenants opt in to receiving landlord notices electronically
Summary
CS for SB 1164 was reported favorably after supporters said electronic delivery protects tenant privacy and opponents asked for reciprocal tenant-to-landlord electronic rights and opt‑out safeguards.
TALLAHASSEE — The Judiciary Committee reported Senate Bill 11‑64 favorably after testimony about modernizing landlord–tenant notices and concerns from tenant advocates.
Senator Leake, the bill sponsor, said the measure amends Chapter 83 to allow tenants to opt in voluntarily to receive legal notices electronically — by email or other agreed digital means — rather than by postal mail or a paper notice on a door. The sponsor said the change preserves tenant privacy (for example, avoiding a posted nonpayment notice on a door) and reflects common use of portals, texts and email by housing providers.
Tenant-advocacy witnesses urged amendments to make the provision reciprocal and to allow tenants to opt out later. Jackson Oberlinck of Florida for All recommended requiring confirmation of receipt for important notices and argued that tenants lacking reliable email access are particularly vulnerable. Oregon and Nebraska were cited as models that allow reciprocal electronic notice.
Senator Leake said he was open to working with stakeholders on reciprocal coverage and on technical fixes; the bill passed the committee (10 yays, 0 nays).
Ending: The measure advances; sponsors and witnesses asked for follow‑up work ensuring tenants can safely opt in and retain parity for tenant‑initiated notices (vote on SB 11‑64: 10–0).
