The idea of a landlord registry is gaining traction in Jacksonville, and it’s drawing a mix of reactions from local property owners. Some see it as a step toward greater transparency and accountability, while others worry it could add new administrative burdens. The city’s proposal is still in development, but it could change how rental properties are tracked, how owners communicate with city officials, and how code compliance is enforced.
Whether you manage one unit or a full portfolio, it’s worth understanding what’s being discussed, what details are still uncertain, and how similar measures have played out in other Florida communities.
Key Takeaways
- The City Council is pursuing a public landlord registry via ordinance, aimed at identifying property owners/agents and making their code history visible.
- The initial resolution was withdrawn so it could be reworked into binding legislation.
- Proponents promise better transparency and emergency responsiveness; critics warn of burdens on smaller landlords and weak impact without enforcement.
- Requirements, fees, and penalties rest on the final bill; none are settled yet.
The Proposal: What’s Being Considered
Origins and Motivations
City Councilmember Jimmy Peluso is pushing for a public list of rental property owners. On that list, the city could find a landlord’s name, how to reach them, and whether a property has had code problems before.
The idea is to make things more straightforward for everyone, help the city contact the right person quickly in an emergency, and show a landlord’s track record. This effort gained steam because Jacksonville has had more eviction filings than many other big counties in Florida.
From Resolution to Ordinance
In April 2025, the Council asked the mayor to start a landlord registry. In May, they pulled that request to write a stronger law.
By September 2025, Councilmember Jimmy Peluso said he would bring back a formal ordinance, a version that, if passed, would have real legal force.
What It Could Require
Based on public statements and comparable Florida localities, proposals include:
- Registration of rental units with owner/agent contact information
- Disclosure of known code-enforcement history
- An obligation to update details when ownership or management changes
- Fees and penalties for not registering or failing to keep data current
- Possible links to inspections or audits, if included in the final text
Nothing is final; scope, exemptions, and penalties depend on the ordinance that gets adopted.
What It Means for Landlords
Administrative Load. Even a streamlined registry adds work: creating an account, entering property details, and keeping information up to date. Expect periodic renewals and reminders. Larger portfolios may need a simple checklist or assigned staff to avoid missed updates.
Visibility and Reputation. A public database makes your track record easier to see. Consistent maintenance and quick fixes can become a selling point with tenants and lenders. Unresolved issues, however, may draw attention and prompt the city to act more quickly.
Costs and Penalties. If an ordinance is adopted, noncompliance could result in civil fines. Budgeting a small amount of time and resources for data entry, document storage, and renewal dates can reduce risk and prevent last-minute scrambles.
Potential Upsides. Clear, uniform rules can eliminate guesswork and create a single place to share owner or manager contact information. Faster city communication during emergencies or code questions may shorten resolution times and help well-run properties stand out.
What You Should Do Now
- Monitor City Hall. Subscribe to agendas, set alerts for committee and council meetings, and attend or submit comments. Watch amendments closely for fees, timelines, or exemptions.
- Organize Records. Build a central digital system that holds property inventories, leases, owner/agent contacts, code notices, inspection results, repair logs, insurance certificates, and ownership change documents.
- Plan for Capacity. Assign someone to maintain registry data and manage filings. Use software for reminders and version control. If you're small-scale, vet a property manager who can handle marketing, tenant screening, and registry compliance when required.
Risks, Challenges, and Critiques
Symbolism vs Substance. A registry by itself doesn’t change property conditions. It needs steady funding, staff to review entries and follow up on issues, and clear procedures for audits and corrections. Without that, data can become outdated and the tool loses credibility for both tenants and landlords.
Legal/Operational Groundwork. Moving from a resolution to an ordinance makes requirements enforceable. An ordinance can spell out duties, timelines, penalties, and appeal paths. The city also has to assign a lead department, build the registration system, train personnel, and publish plain-language guidance so owners know exactly what to do.
Impact on Small Landlords. Gathering documents, entering data, and keeping records current takes time and money. Those fixed tasks can weigh more on one-to-three-unit owners than on larger companies. Practical relief could include simple forms, phased timelines, or clear help desks. Track proposals closely and share feedback so final rules are workable.
Precedents in Florida
- Broward County operates a landlord registration and inspection program requiring annual certification and penalties.
- Coral Springs mandates yearly registration through its code compliance division, with published fees.
- Palm Coast requires registration of residential rentals with defined exemptions and administrative steps.
The takeaway: results depend less on the existence of a registry than on its design and consistent enforcement.
FAQ
Will every landlord have to register, or just large/multifamily owners?
Unknown until the ordinance is drafted. Some early discussions have left room for exemptions or phased implementation.
What penalties could apply for failing to register or update?
Likely civil penalties, but the final ordinance will determine the specifics.
Does a registry automatically increase inspections?
Not necessarily, but if the ordinance links registration to inspections or audits, it may.
How should small landlords prepare now?
Take inventory of your portfolio, set a consistent update schedule, and decide whether to manage compliance internally or outsource. Stay plugged into council proceedings so you can influence rulemaking before it’s locked in.
Registry on the Horizon: Act Now to Shape the Rules and Protect Your Portfolio
Jacksonville’s landlord registry is advancing, but not yeta law. If your records are in order, you’re ahead; if not, now is the time to prepare.
As fees, penalties, and exemptions evolve during drafting, submitting public comments can influence the outcome. Get your data in shape, institutionalize your compliance workflows, and be ready to register when the law passes.
Nest Finders will market your rentals to quality prospects, execute rigorous tenant screening (credit, income, rental history, background checks), and maintain flawless lease files.
If the registry becomes law, we’ll build your compliance profile, organize documents, monitor updates, and handle filing workflows, so you can prioritize net operating income, not paperwork.
Want occupancy you can count on, fewer surprises, and a ready-to-file compliance system on Day 1? Reach out now and make the basics your edge!
Additional Resources
Florida’s Live Local Act in Jacksonville: Zoning Preemption Explained for Small Landlords
Tenant Placement in Jacksonville: How Property Managers Attract Better Renters
