Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) may be any type of animal that provides comfort and emotional support to a person with a disability by helping reduce disability-related symptoms.
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Under Florida law, an ESA is defined as an animal that does not require specialized training to perform tasks or work, but provides therapeutic emotional support through its presence, helping alleviate one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability.
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If you are a new patient seeking an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter from a licensed practitioner and have additional questions, please contact us at:
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Please note: The Florida law effective July 1, 2020 applies specifically to Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and does not apply to service animals or assistance animals.
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Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Housing Rights in Florida
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Under the Florida Fair Housing Act, individuals with a disability or disability-related mental health need may request reasonable housing accommodations for an Emotional Support Animal.
Landlords may not:
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Deny housing solely because you have or plan to obtain an ESA
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Require you to disclose your diagnosis or the severity of your disability
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Request detailed medical or clinical records
Documentation from a licensed healthcare provider may be required to verify the need for an ESA, but your privacy and personal health information are protected by law.
