Florida has been named the worst state for apartment renters, according to an April 13 study by ConsumerAffairs. The report cites a lack of affordability and limited tenant protections as key reasons, even though the state currently has a high supply of available apartments.
The findings highlight ongoing challenges for renters in Florida, where median monthly rent is $1,669—making it the eighth-highest in the country and about 18 percent above the national median. The typical household spends nearly 37.4 percent of its income on rent, making Floridians the most cost-burdened renters nationwide.
ConsumerAffairs said that Florida does not offer benefits commonly found in other states, such as limits on lease application fees or regulations on rent increases. The state also lacks policies like just-cause eviction requirements and rent stabilization measures seen elsewhere.
Despite these issues, there is no shortage of rental units: Florida’s vacancy rate stands at 7.6 percent, among the highest nationally. In South Florida—the state’s largest urban region—rents surged during the pandemic as demand soared but have since declined for over two years straight. Realtor.com data shows that regional asking rents fell to $2,235 in February—a decrease of 3.3 percent year-over-year—yet many residents remain priced out.
Developers responded to earlier demand with record construction activity; however, oversupply has led to lower rents and increased concessions from landlords. According to CoStar Group data, a record 18,600 units were delivered statewide in 2024 alone—with about one-fifth still unleased by year’s end—and most new units are classified as high-end properties rather than affordable housing options.
Some developers have shifted strategies by converting planned rental projects into condominiums for sale amid market changes. While legislation like Florida’s Live Local Act aims to encourage workforce and affordable housing development—with about 3,200 such units completed under this law since its passage—few projects have reached completion so far.
Florida’s position at the bottom of ConsumerAffairs’ ranking marks a drop from last year when it was listed as third-worst for renters; Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii and Massachusetts round out this year’s five lowest-ranked states for tenants.
