ESA Letter vs. Pet Policy in Florida Rentals: What’s the Difference?

ESA Letter vs. Pet Policy in Florida Rentals: What’s the Difference?

Renting with a furry companion in Florida can get confusing—especially when it comes to understanding the difference between an ESA letter and a landlord’s pet policy. While many Florida residents assume these two are interchangeable, they serve entirely different purposes, and knowing the difference can save you from unnecessary fees, denials, or even eviction threats.

Let’s break it down and show where PetCerts.com comes in.

What Is a Pet Policy?

A pet policy is a set of rules created by landlords or property managers that applies to tenants with pets. These policies are not governed by federal laws, so they can vary widely between properties. Some key features typically include:

• Pet deposits or monthly pet rent

• Breed or size restrictions

• Limits on the number of pets

• Vaccination or registration requirements

If you're moving into a pet-friendly rental, you’ll likely need to pay fees, agree to these conditions, and be subject to possible restrictions. But here’s the catch: pet policies don’t apply to service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs).

What Is an ESA Letter?

An ESA letter is a document from a licensed professional that states a person has a mental or emotional health need for an emotional support animal. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), housing providers are required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with ESAs—even if the property has a “no-pets” rule.

With a valid ESA letter:

• You can live in housing that normally doesn’t allow pets

• You can’t be charged pet fees or deposits for your ESA

• Breed and size restrictions do not apply

• Landlords must make reasonable accommodations (exceptions apply if the animal is dangerous or causes damage)

It’s important to note: an ESA is not a pet in the eyes of the law, and therefore, pet policies do not apply to them

Where PSD Letters Fit In

While PetCerts.com does not offer ESA letters, we specialize in psychiatric service dog (PSD) letters for housing and travel. PSDs are a different category altogether—and even more protected under federal law.

A psychiatric service dog is trained to perform tasks that assist someone with a psychiatric disability, such as interrupting panic attacks or reminding them to take medication. Unlike ESAs, PSDs are recognized under both the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means:

• You’re protected in both housing and public spaces, including air travel

• No pet fees or breed restrictions

• Landlords must accommodate, regardless of pet policy

So if you qualify for a PSD, your rights extend beyond what an ESA letter offers.

Florida-Specific Considerations

In Florida, housing laws closely follow the federal Fair Housing Act. However, the state has cracked down on fake or misused ESA documents in recent years, requiring more accountability and documentation. That’s why it’s crucial to have legitimate documentation that aligns with the law.

At PetCerts.com, we provide legitimate Housing and Travel PSD letters that are written by licensed professionals and tailored for your needs. Every letter we deliver stands up to scrutiny and reflects the rights you’re legally entitled to.