Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill, designated as “Miya’s Law,” that will require apartment landlords to conduct background checks on employees, maintain a log for each dwelling unit’s keys, and increase notification requirements for maintenance and repairs from 12 to 24 hours. The measure (SB 898), known as “Miya’s Law,” was crafted in honor of 19-year-old Valencia College student Miya Marcano, who was killed in her apartment in 2021 by a maintenance worker who entered her unit with an apartment key fob.
“Every tenant deserves to be safe in their own home,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “By signing this legislation, we are making it safer to live in a rental unit and giving renters more peace of mind in their homes. Miya’s death was a tragedy, and our prayers continue to be with the Marcano family. I am proud to act on their behalf to help prevent a tragedy like that from happening to another Florida tenant.”
“Miya’s Law” directs landlords to require all employees to undergo a background screening as a condition of employment. A person may be disqualified from employment if the person has been found guilty of certain offenses involving violence and disregard for safety.
Miya’s Law was given unanimous support by lawmakers. It only protects apartments with 25 or more units, but not condominiums. The new law will go into effect at the end of this week, June 2022.
