Rent control laws limit the amount a landlord can increase rents on existing tenants. Most states have laws that prohibit local governments from enacting rent control measures. But over 180 municipalities in the United States have rent control measures—and all of them are located in California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C.
The state of Oregon has a statewide rent control law that limits annual rent increases to 7% plus the increase in the consumer price index.
In Florida, there are currently no rent control laws in place at the state level that limit the amount a landlord can increase rents on existing tenants. Florida Statutes specifically prohibit local governments from enacting any type of rent control. This preemption is found in Florida Statute 125.0103 for counties and 166.04151 for municipalities, which state that no county or municipality may enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance or rule that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing residential or commercial properties. As a result, landlords in Florida are generally free to set and increase rents to market rates without a cap, except in very limited circumstances such as a declared state of emergency. It's important for tenants to review their lease agreements to understand any provisions related to rent increases during the term of their lease.