My journey at Graystone and in real estate has been steady and hands-on. I’ve been with the company for close to five years now. I started as the property manager, moved into the role of Vice President, and currently serve as the Chief Operating Officer. Over the years, I’ve managed hundreds of properties, worked through evictions, legal claims, lease negotiations—you name it. I’ve seen where laws make things easier for us landlords, and where they make our jobs harder. And let me tell you—this new change starting July 1, 2025, is one of the most landlord-friendly updates I’ve seen in years.

Thanks to Florida Statute §83.505, landlords can now deliver any official notice to a tenant via email, including:

  • Lease renewals and non-renewals

  • 3-day notices

  • 7-day cure or vacate notices

  • Security deposit claims

  • Any written notice required by Chapter 83 of the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

But like everything in property management, the devil is in the details. This law brings tremendous convenience—but only if you’ve got the right paperwork, processes, and protections in place.


What the Law Allows (And What It Doesn’t)

The law clearly states that email can be used as a valid delivery method—but only if the tenant has consented in writing.

This isn’t a gray area. It’s black and white.

No signed agreement? That email notice is invalid.

And here’s the kicker: the tenant can opt out at any time by simply notifying you in writing. That means the system has to be flexible, trackable, and regularly updated.


What Notices Are Covered?

Basically, anything that falls under Florida’s landlord-tenant statutes can now be sent via email:

  • Security deposit claim forms
    No more certified mail—finally. That alone saves landlords $8 per delivery, which adds up fast.

  • Renewal notices
    Planning to raise rent or not renew? Send it by email (if you have the addendum signed).

  • Eviction-related notices
    The 3-day and 7-day notices can now go out via email, starting the clock immediately.

  • Maintenance or breach notices
    If something needs to be fixed, or a lease rule is being broken, this is now a faster way to notify.


What’s Required Before You Hit “Send”?

Here’s the most important step: the Electronic Delivery Addendum.

This addendum, signed by both parties, gives written permission for email notices and spells out the tenant’s right to opt out. It also includes:

  • The specific email addresses to be used

  • Confirmation that email notices are considered legally “delivered” once sent

  • Instructions for revoking consent

  • Each party’s responsibility for updating their contact info

👉 Electronic Delivery Addendum

We include this form with every new lease and renewal starting now. It’s a permanent part of our leasing process moving forward.


Our Security Deposit Email Template

One of the most exciting parts of this new law is being able to ditch certified mail for security deposit claims.

We used to spend hours and hundreds of dollars a month preparing and mailing certified notices. Now? It’s a well-documented email with tracking.

👉 Security Deposit Claim Email Template

It includes:

  • The deposit total

  • The claimed amount with itemized deductions

  • A 15-day window to object

  • Instructions for how to respond


The Pros: Why This Law Is a Big Win

From my perspective as a property manager turned COO, this law is a game changer. Here’s why:

1. Cost Savings

No more certified mail for deposit claims or paying staff to deliver notices. Multiply that by 100+ tenants, and you’ve got thousands in savings.

2. Faster Execution

You can send a notice the moment rent’s late—no delay, no excuses.

3. Improved Safety

Nobody wants to confront an upset tenant face-to-face. This gives our team peace of mind.

4. Operational Efficiency

We document everything digitally—email time stamps, delivery receipts, tenant replies. It’s easy to store and show if ever needed in court.


The Cons: What to Watch Out For

Like everything else, this update comes with a few challenges:

1. Tracking Signed Addendums

You have to stay organized. Who’s opted in? Who’s opted out? Our team now labels every file and flags it in our CRM.

2. Increased Tenant Disputes

Before this law, tenants had to go out of their way to dispute deposit claims. Now they can hit reply. We expect more back-and-forth.

3. Opt-Out Flexibility

Once someone opts out in writing, you’re back to paper delivery. You need to keep timelines and communication crystal clear.


How We’re Handling This at Graystone

We didn’t wait for July to start adapting. Here’s our rollout plan:

  • Every new lease gets the email delivery addendum.

  • Every tenant is tracked in our system as “email approved” or not.

  • Our team saves every sent notice, complete with timestamp and delivery confirmation.

  • We’ve trained all property managers and staff on how to explain this law to tenants.

We’ve already saved time, money, and a few headaches.


My Final Thoughts

Laws change, but great landlords adapt. I’ve learned that over and over again. This update is one of those rare ones that actually makes our job easier—as long as we respect the structure.

If you’re a landlord in Florida, this is your chance to streamline your systems, reduce legal risk, and make your notices more efficient.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’m happy to share what we’ve done at Graystone. Just reach out.

If you want me to personally analyze your property—whether it’s to maximize rent, reduce vacancy, or determine if our property management services are the right fit for you—reach out to me at http://graystoneig.com/jay.

We charge no tenant placement fee and are committed to helping owners keep more of what they earn.

— Jay

Written by Jay Michalec, COO of Graystone Investment Group

PS: Do not use these forms for your business or personal property without having them reviewed by a qualified attorney. Laws can vary by situation, and using these templates without legal review may lead to noncompliance or legal risk.

Use smart—stay legal. Always consult a professional.

 

Debt Yield Real Estate

April 29th, 2025|Comments Off on Debt Yield Real Estate

Debt Yield Real Estate: Why Every Smart Investor Must Master This Metric After investing for more than 20 years, [...]

What Is Capping in Real Estate?

April 27th, 2025|Comments Off on What Is Capping in Real Estate?

In the real estate world, understanding how your commission is structured is critical to building a successful career. One [...]

Property Profit Academy:
✔ Learn to buy properties with little to no money down.
✔ Build a $10M portfolio step by step.
✔ Master strategies like BRRRR and house hacking.

Get Started PPA

Agents, join us today!

Meet our Team of Experts!

My team and I bring over 20 years of real estate experience, with deep roots in Florida’s investment scene. As a licensed MLO, I’ve helped close millions in loans and investor acquisitions. We’ve built strong relationships with wholesalers, probate attorneys, and sellers to source real deals—not just listings. My goal is simple: align your investments with your vision and deliver results that exceed expectations. Connect with Cody at https://graystoneig.com/cody

Lisa-Kaye Price

Hi, I’m Lisa-Kaye Price, Real Estate Lending Specialist at Graystone Investment Group. With 20 years of experience as both a licensed Realtor® and Mortgage Loan Originator, I specialize in helping investors secure smart financing for powerful real estate moves. Let’s connect and talk strategy! Connect with Lisa at https://graystoneig.com/lisa-kaye-price

Jay Michalec: A Pillar of Excellence in Real Estate Leadership

Jay Michalec is the COO of Graystone Investment Group and a proud U.S. Army veteran. With 25 years in hospitality, Jay brings leadership, service, and operational excellence to real estate. He’s known for keeping things running smoothly and supporting both the team and clients every step of the way. 📅 Connect with Jay: https://graystoneig.com/jay

author avatar
Jorge Vazquez CEO
Jorge Vazquez is the CEO of Graystone Investment Group and coach at Property Profit Academy. With 20+ years of experience and 3,500+ real estate deals, he helps investors build wealth through smart strategies, from acquisition to property management. Featured in Forbes and winner of multiple awards, Jorge is known for making real estate simple and impactful. Real estate investor, educator, and CEO helping others build wealth through smart, long-term real estate strategies.