As technology has evolved, so should the laws. Electronic keyfob's are a new form of keyless access which allows entry into apartments, condos, and units these days. With this new technology, a keyfob must be seen as equivalent to a hard copy key. 

Quick backstory: I am moving from my building past my lease date as my condo wasn't ready at the time of move out. They refused to extend my stay and want me out, but there's nothing I can do, the move out date is what it is. To make things difficult for me, they deactivate my keyfob, and they don't consider this a form of self-help eviction.

I strongly disagree as am not able to access entry to the building, elevator, or any of the amenities at my own free will. In fact, access to all amenities has been discontinued completely. I am fighting this because it's morally wrong, unjust behavior, and I am suffering until I move which doesn't need to happen and people should NOT be treated like this. I have established residency at this unit for a year and six months and paid my rent. I now have to deal with this unfair interruption to get into my unit by waiting for someone to let me in and always ask permission to get to the unit floor until I move out and want to make a change in the law so this never happens to anyone again. 

Not only is this unjust, but a form of retaliatory conduct and an act of prohibited practices pursuant of Florida Statues and no one should ever have to endure this. I consider keyfob deactivation a form of a self-help lockout as it is blocking me from entering the building and unit floor at my own free will.

Have some empathy and compassion for people, you don't know the full story, but being malicious is not the answer.

Therefore, I am petitioning for an amendment to the current self-help eviction laws. The primary concern is the inclusion of electronic keyfob deactivation as a form of illegal lockout.

Background: In modern residential buildings, access to one's home often involves electronic keyfobs, which control entry not only to individual units but also to the building and its amenities. Under current laws, the physical lockout of a tenant (changing the locks on the door) is recognized as an illegal eviction tactic. However, the deactivation of electronic keyfobs, which effectively denies tenants access to their homes, is not explicitly covered.

Proposed Amendment: I propose that the law be amended to explicitly include the deactivation or restriction of electronic keyfob access as a form of lockout.

This amendment should state:

Keyless and Hard Copy Keys: Hard copy keys and any type of devices that allow access into a building or unit are considered equal (same) as both forms provide entrance. 

Definition of Lockout to Include Electronic Keyfob Deactivation: The deactivation of an electronic keyfob, which prevents a tenant from accessing the building, common areas, or their own residential unit, shall be considered a lockout.

Illegal Action During Eviction Process: If a landlord deactivates a tenant's electronic keyfob during the eviction process, it should be recognized as an illegal self-help eviction action.

Rights During Eviction Process: Tenants should retain all rights to electronic keyfob entry and use of building amenities until a legal verdict in their eviction case is reached. Any disruption to keyfob access during the eviction process should be considered a violation of tenant rights and an illegal eviction attempt.

Rationale: This amendment is crucial for protecting tenant rights and ensuring fair eviction processes. The electronic keyfob is an essential tool for accessing one's residence, and its deactivation can leave tenants unfairly locked out of their homes. By including electronic keyfob deactivation in the legal definition of a lockout, we can prevent illegal eviction practices and uphold the integrity of the eviction process.

An electronic keyfob IS a key, equivalent to the modern-day hard copy key. Deactivating a keyfob is the SAME as a lockout as it causes a block to an entrance.  

I urge locals, lawmakers and relevant authorities to consider this amendment seriously and act promptly to protect the rights of tenants.