Florida security deposit law
Did your landlord keep your deposit? Here's what Florida law requires — and what they owe you if they broke it.
Return deadline
15 days
Max penalty
Full deposit
Small claims limit
$8,000.00
The deadline
Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, your landlord must return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions within 15 days after you move out (30 days to send notice of intent to impose a claim).
If they miss it or withhold in bad faith
Landlord forfeits the right to impose a claim; attorney's fees available.
Deductions that usually aren't allowed
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes)
- Routine repainting or carpet cleaning between tenants
- Damage that existed before you moved in
- Charges with no receipts or itemization
How to get it back
Send a formal demand letter by certified mail citing Fla. Stat. § 83.49, give the landlord 14 days to pay, then file in Florida small claims court (up to $8,000.00) if they don't.
Check your case in 3 minutes — free
We'll check your dates and every deduction against Florida law and show what you're owed.
Run Florida auditInformational only, not legal advice. Verify current law before relying on it.