FREE 2-Minute Pre-Screening
Get a Legitimate ESA Letter In Florida
How Emotional Support Animal Letters Work
Getting an ESA letter in Florida is simple with these steps. By following the process, ESA owners can receive the documentation needed to access ESA protections in housing.
2 Minute Screening
Answer a few quick questions to evaluate your mental health condition and determine if an ESA could provide benefits for your well-being.
Talk to a Therapist
A licensed mental health professional will conduct a teleconsultation to assess your need for an ESA based on your mental health disorder.
Get Your ESA Letter
If approved, you’ll receive a Florida compliant ESA letter from a licensed professional on official letterhead within 24 to 48 hours.
Emotional Support Animals in Florida
Emotional support animals offer comfort, companionship, and mental health benefits to people with mental health conditions. ESAs also provide numerous other benefits.
In Florida, ESAs have specific legal protections under emotional support animal laws, particularly in housing, which require reasonable accommodations without additional pet fees. Learn how to obtain a valid ESA letter and secure your rights under Florida law.
Get Your ESA Letter today to enjoy the well-being benefits of having an ESA as part of your life.
For those who rely on their Emotional Support Animals' companionship, having the right documentation ensures you can fully enjoy the benefits of their presence, including housing protections.
At ESA Pet, we provide ESA Letters fully compliant with federal and Florida housing regulations. They are signed by local Licensed Mental Health Professionals.
Our letters are trusted and accepted nationwide, giving you the peace of mind to live without barriers. Get your ESA Letter today!
ESA Laws in Florida
Florida Statute 760.27
Under Florida Statute 760.27, housing providers must provide reasonable accommodation for emotional support animals. This law prohibits landlords from charging pet fees or deposits for ESA owners and requires them to accept valid ESA letters as proof of need.
HUD FHEO 2020-01 Guidance
The HUD FHEO 2020-01 guidance clarifies federal laws for ESAs, emphasizing that housing providers cannot discriminate based on an ESA's breed, size, or weight. Florida housing providers must follow these federal regulations and accept any ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.
Florida Employment Law
Florida employment laws do not require employers to accommodate emotional support animals in the workplace. However, psychiatric service dogs (PSDs), trained to perform specific tasks for people with mental health disabilities, are allowed in public places and workplaces under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Florida Housing Laws
In Florida, emotional support animals are protected under Florida Statute 760.27 and the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This provides ESA owners with reasonable accommodations in housing settings without discrimination.
- No Additional Fees: Landlords cannot charge pet fees or additional deposits for ESA owners with a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.
- Documentation Requirements: ESA letters must be issued by a licensed mental health professional and include the provider's license number and issue date.
- Penalties for Violations: Housing providers who violate ESA laws in Florida may face legal consequences.
Emotional Support Animals in Florida Condos
For Florida residents in condos or homeowners’ associations (HOAs), ESA laws require reasonable accommodations for support animals. Condo associations must comply with the Fair Housing Act to allow ESAs without discrimination.
- HOA Compliance: Condo associations must accept valid ESA documentation from a licensed mental health professional.
- Common Issues: Some HOAs may try to charge pet fees or require extra documentation, which is against ESA regulations.
How to Qualify for an ESA Letter in Florida
To qualify for an ESA letter in Florida, individuals must have a mental or emotional condition diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional. Conditions that may qualify include anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and other mental health disorders.
- Renewal Requirement: It is recommended that ESA letters be renewed yearly to ensure validity when presented to housing providers.
Get A Florida ESA Letter in Three Simple Steps
ESA Pet makes it easy to get an emotional support animal letter in Florida. Follow these three simple steps and you will have your ESA letter in no time.
Complete a Simple Online Assessment
Answer questions about your mental health condition to help determine if you qualify for an ESA.
Get Evaluated Online
Connect with a licensed mental health professional who will assess your need for an ESA.
Receive an ESA Letter
Receive a valid ESA letter if you qualify, ensuring legal protection under Florida's ESA laws.
Basic Requirements for
Florida Emotional Support Animal Letters
The state of Florida requires ESA letters to include a few items to be considered valid:
- A licensed mental health professional must assess the mental or emotional condition.
- ESA letters must include the license number and issue date of the mental health professional licensed.
- Annual renewal is recommended to ensure ESA letters remain valid.