Do You Need to Disclose a Haunted House to Buyers in Florida?
Imagine this: you’re listing a charming Orlando historic bungalow, and the seller (or neighbor, they love to talk!) casually mentions rumors of spooky footsteps at night. Do you have to spill the spectral tea to potential buyers? Let’s break it down—with a sprinkle of fun.
1. Florida Law = No Obligation to Disclose the Paranormal
Florida does not consider hauntings, murders, suicides, or ghostly rumors as “material facts.” Under?F.S.?689.25(1)(b), these are not legally required to be disclosed—and sellers aren’t even required to volunteer info about a crime scene or death on the property.
2. What is Material in Florida?
Florida sellers must disclose details that actually affect value or safety, like:
Structural defects
Pending code violations
Radon gas (yes, that invisible menace)
HOA obligations, coastal erosion warnings, etc.
Ghosts? Unless they’re tearing down your foundation or triggering a code violation—they’re non-issues legally speaking.
3. But… What If You Loudly Proclaim Your Home Is Haunted?
Up north in New York’s famous Stambovsky v. Ackley case (1991), a homeowner who publicly advertised her home as haunted could not later deny it—she was legally “estopped” from waves of haunting rumors.
Florida doesn’t have that rule—but if you’re boasting your home’s ghostly reputation on ghost-hunting tours or TV shows, it’s wise to tread carefully—both ethically and reputationally.
4. Disclosure
Legally? You can zip it.
Final Verdict
Do you legally need to disclose a haunted house in Florida? Nope. Florida law treats ghosts like gossip—not material.
But if you enjoy a good tale—or want to avoid a buyer walking away due to spectral fears—consider leaning into transparency. When in doubt, stage the best “chill” open house… minus the chills. And to some buyers, a few ghostly occurrences only adds to the value!
Summary
Question Answer
Ghosts legally count? Nope, not under Florida law.
Crime or death stories? Only disclose if it affects value or safety.
Haunted reputation that has been publicly pushed? No law in Florida, but could impact negotiations.
Best move? Disclose structural/material facts. Ghosts? Well, it's all in what you believe!