DeSantis Signs ‘Miya’s Law’ to Provide More Safety Measures for Renters

June 27, 2022 Updated 4:41 P.M. ET

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed ‘Miya’s Law’ which aims to provide renters with more protections by requiring background checks for prospective employees.

The bill (SB 898) is named after Miya Marcano who was killed in her apartment in 2021 by a maintenance worker who entered her unit with an apartment key fob. Marcana was an Orlando student.

The new law increases notification requirements for maintenance and repairs from 12 to 24 hours and requires there be a log for each dwelling unit’s keys.

“Every tenant deserves to be safe in their own home,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “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.”

Under Florida law, a person can be disqualified from employment if that person had been found guilty of certain offenses involving violence. Apartments will also be required to establish policies for the issuance, return and storage of all keys.

“As a mother of a college student, the loss of Miya is incomprehensible,” said Democratic Representative Robin Bartleman who sponsored the bill.  “I am grateful for Miya’s mother and father’s courage and strength. In the wake of their personal tragedy, they were committed to ensuring that this never happens to another family.”