After the tragic death of 19-year-old Miya Marcano in Orlando, Florida, Miya's Law has now gone into effect in the state of Florida.
The new law will require landlords to conduct background checks on apartment complex employees.
Marcano was killed in her apartment in 2021 after a maintenance worker entered her complex using a key fob. Outrage sparked as this crime was easily avoidable and cost the life of this young woman.
Gov. DeSantis (R-FL) signed the bill into law in 2022, and it's biggest supporter was State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-FL)
"It's a very painful story...so many parents who send their kids off to college are worried because of what happened to Miya, and so we hope to that these protections prevent another victim, but also can give security to families," said Eskamani on Channel 6 News.
Rep. Eskamani also mentioned that in addition to conducting background checks, landlords of housing facilities will also have to give tenants a notice of 24 hours before employees enter their residence, and keep a log of who is accessing master keys.
In a rare moment of bipartisanship in Florida politics, Governor DeSantis agreed.
"Every tenant deserves to be safe in their own home," said the Governor. "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."
The bill was signed into law this past summer but has taken effect this week.
