Florida Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. §83.49 — Deposit Money or Advance Rent; Duty of Landlord and Tenant
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 15 calendar days after tenant vacating the premises.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 15 calendar days, you may be entitled to landlord may forfeit right to impose claim; court may award damages under Fla. Stat. §83.49(3).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: no statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $8,000
- Interest on deposit: Landlord must either hold in separate non-interest-bearing account, interest-bearing account (pay 75% of interest annually or credit to rent), or post surety bond
Additional Protections
- If landlord intends to make a claim, must send written notice by certified mail within 30 days
- Tenant has 15 days to object after receiving landlord's claim notice
- If no claim, deposit must be returned within 15 days
- If claim, landlord has 30 days to send notice of intent to impose claim
What Your Florida Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Florida's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Fla. Stat. §83.49 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
15 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
landlord may forfeit right to impose claim; court may award damages — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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Florida Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Florida?
Under Fla. Stat. §83.49, your landlord has 15 calendar days after tenant vacating the premises to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Florida landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to landlord may forfeit right to impose claim; court may award damages under Fla. Stat. §83.49(3). You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Florida?
Under Fla. Stat. §83.49, the maximum security deposit in Florida is no statutory limit.
Does my Florida landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Florida law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Florida?
Yes. Florida small claims court handles cases up to $8,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Florida?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Florida-specific demand letter citing Fla. Stat. §83.49 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
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