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Florida security deposit law
Short answer: A Florida landlord who isn't keeping anything has 15 days to return the deposit. A landlord who wants to keep part of it has 30 days to send a written notice of the claim, by certified mail or email. Florida has no limit on how much a landlord can charge.
| Deadline to return the deposit | 15 days after the lease ends if the landlord isn't keeping anything. If the landlord wants to make a claim, a written notice must go out within 30 days, by certified mail to the tenant's last known address or by email. The tenant then has 15 days after receiving it to object in writing, and the landlord must send any balance within 30 days of the notice. |
|---|---|
| Limit on how much a landlord can charge | No limit in state law. |
| Itemized list of deductions | Yes, in the form of a written notice of intent to impose a claim. It must state the amount and the reason, using wording set out in the statute. |
| Interest on the deposit | Only if the landlord holds the deposit in an interest-bearing account (tenant gets at least 75% of the interest, or 5% simple interest, landlord's choice) or posts a surety bond instead (5% simple interest). |
| Penalty if the landlord breaks the rules | A landlord who misses the 30-day notice loses the right to make a claim against the deposit and must return it, though the landlord can still sue separately for damages. The winner in a deposit lawsuit gets court costs and attorney's fees. |
| What the tenant has to do | Give the landlord your new address. If you move out early or are month to month, the law asks for at least 7 days' written notice (certified mail or hand delivery) with your address, unless the lease says otherwise. Object in writing within 15 days of getting a claim notice if you disagree. |
| The law | Florida Statutes Section 83.49 (2025) |
Official law: Florida Statutes Section 83.49 (2025). Checked against the statute on 2026-11-04.
Good to know
- The landlord has to hold the deposit in a separate Florida bank account or post a surety bond, and can't mix it with the landlord's own money.
- Landlords with five or more units must tell the tenant in writing, within 30 days of getting the deposit, where it's held and whether it earns interest.
- A tenant who misses the 15-day objection window can still sue later to get the money back.
Tips for landlords
- Do a written move-in inspection and have the tenant sign it. Take dated photos of every room, including inside appliances and closets.
- Collect the tenant's forwarding address in writing at move-out.
- Put the itemized list and the refund in the mail well before the deadline, and keep proof of mailing.
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes) usually can't be charged. Damage beyond that can.
Tips for tenants
- Take your own dated photos and video on move-in day and move-out day.
- Give your landlord your forwarding address in writing, and keep a copy.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter that cites the law above before going to small claims court.
Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?
15 days after the lease ends if the landlord isn't keeping anything. If the landlord wants to make a claim, a written notice must go out within 30 days, by certified mail to the tenant's last known address or by email. The tenant then has 15 days after receiving it to object in writing, and the landlord must send any balance within 30 days of the notice.
Is there a limit on security deposits in Florida?
No limit in state law.
Does a landlord in Florida have to itemize deductions?
Yes, in the form of a written notice of intent to impose a claim. It must state the amount and the reason, using wording set out in the statute.