What duties do Florida landlords have regarding lighting along apartment walkways and exterior stairs?

Florida residential landlords have a statutory obligation under Fla. Stat. § 83.51 to comply with all applicable building and housing codes, which includes providing adequate illumination in shared common areas. Inadequate exterior lighting along apartment breezeways, sidewalks, and staircases creates foreseeable hazards by concealing elevation changes, debris, or puddles. If poor illumination directly causes a resident or invited guest to misstep, trip, or slip, the landlord or management company may be held liable for negligence. Property owners must routinely inspect light fixtures, replace burned-out bulbs, and fix electrical faults. Jeffrey S. Altman investigates illumination deficiencies at The Altman Law Firm.