FL break lease - no termination clause

[VictorI]

We are about to break our lease. The lanlord wants the remainder of the lease amount (6 months) paid up front before the lease can be terminated. Question: If I pay this upfront and the home is relet within the next 6 months do I have a claim against the LL for the rent that I paid? If so, how can I ensure I don't forfeit this claim?

Is it a better idea to surrender the property, remove my name from the utilities, and pay month to month on the remainder of the lease? Is that possible?

In FL, the LL has no responsibility to try and re-rent the unit once you sign a lease. You are on the hook for the entire amount. Continuing to pay each month is a good idea. If the unit is re-rented (although he has no obligation to do so) you will be released from further rent payments. If you pay in full in advance and the unit is re-rented, you would be due a refund for any months where it is rented to another tenant, and you ould pursue this in small claims if the LL refused to refund your money. You would have to continue to check to see if the home has been rented to make sure the LL is honest.