It has been three years since Miya’s Law was enacted in Florida, and in that time, meaningful progress has been made toward safer, more accountable rental housing communities. What began as a response to an unimaginable tragedy has grown into a lasting shift in how the property management industry approaches safety, transparency, and trust.
Named in honor of Miya Cecilia Marcano, Miya’s Law serves as both a remembrance and a responsibility. It reminds housing providers that resident safety is not just a best practice. It is a fundamental obligation.
What Miya’s Law Set Out to Do
Miya’s Law was created to strengthen tenant protections and close safety gaps that had gone unaddressed for too long. At its core, the law focuses on accountability and visibility in areas that directly affect resident safety.
Key requirements include thorough background screenings for apartment employees who have access to residential units, clear documentation of key access activity, and advance notice to residents before staff enter their homes. Together, these measures help ensure that access to living spaces is earned, tracked, and communicated responsibly.
What Has Improved Over the Past Three Years
Since Miya’s Law went into effect, the housing industry has taken noticeable steps forward.
Stronger Hiring and Screening Practices
Background checks are now a standard expectation rather than an afterthought. Property teams are more intentional about who is granted access to homes, helping reduce risk while reinforcing resident trust.
Clearer Accountability Around Keys
Key access is no longer informal or assumed. Properties are increasingly maintaining documented records that show who accessed which unit and when. This level of accountability protects residents while also safeguarding staff and ownership.
Better Communication With Residents
Advance notice requirements have helped restore a sense of control for residents. Knowing when and why someone will enter a unit reinforces the idea that a home is a private space, not just another stop on a work order list.
Beyond Florida: A Growing Safety Movement
Although Miya’s Law was enacted in Florida, its influence has extended beyond state lines. Other states like Nevada and Virginia have introduced similar legislation inspired by Miya’s story and the advocacy work of the Miya Marcano Foundation.
This growing momentum reflects a broader understanding across the industry. Safety systems, key tracking, and access records are not administrative burdens. They are essential tools for protecting people.
What This Means for Property Management Today
Three years later, Miya’s Law continues to shape expectations for how properties operate, protecting over 50,000 residents in three states. It has helped normalize better processes, clearer documentation, and more thoughtful approaches to access control.
At HandyTrac, we see this progress firsthand. Communities are looking for practical ways to support compliance, improve accountability, and provide residents with peace of mind. The goal is not just to meet requirements, but to build environments where safety is visible and trust is earned every day.
Turning Awareness Into Ongoing Action
Miya’s Law shows what is possible when advocacy leads to action. The improvements made over the past three years prove that meaningful change can come from tragedy, and that lasting impact depends on continued commitment.
By keeping safety at the center of daily operations, property teams can help ensure that Miya’s legacy continues to protect residents for years to come.
To learn more about Miya’s Law and its impact, visit the Miya Marcano Foundation website.
