Florida uses a 15-day no-claim deadline, a 30-day claim-notice deadline, and a 15-day tenant objection window. The correct answer depends on which path your landlord took.
How long does a Florida landlord have to return the deposit?
If no claim is made, the deposit and any required interest are generally due within 15 days after termination after the tenant vacates.
What if the landlord wants to keep money?
The landlord generally must provide a written notice of intention to impose a claim within 30 days after termination. The notice must state the claim and the reason.
How do I dispute a claim notice?
Object in writing within 15 days after receiving it. Keep the objection short, identify the disputed charges, ask for the amount due, and save delivery proof.
Florida law also says that missing the 15-day objection window does not waive the tenant's right to later sue for a refund.
Can the claim notice arrive by email?
Only when Florida Statutes section 83.505 applies. The parties must have signed the required voluntary electronic-notice addendum and designated valid email addresses. The sender must keep the notice and transmission evidence, and an email returned as undeliverable is not treated as delivered.
Without that setup, the statutory claim-notice route is certified mail to the tenant's last-known mailing address.
Should I provide a new address?
Yes. Florida's statutory disclosure tells tenants to give the landlord a new address for deposit notices. Send it in writing and keep proof. Do not assume that failing to provide it automatically forfeits the deposit.
What happens if the landlord misses 30 days?
The landlord generally loses the right to impose the claim against the deposit as a setoff. The landlord may still bring a separate damages action after returning the deposit.
Does the deposit earn interest?
It depends on how the landlord holds it. Florida permits a separate non-interest account, an interest-bearing account, or a qualifying surety bond. The interest-bearing and bond options carry specific interest rules.
Is there a statewide deposit cap?
Florida Statutes section 83.49 does not state a general statewide cap for ordinary covered residential security deposits. Other programs, regulated housing, or the rental agreement may affect the amount.
What if I paid a fee instead of a deposit?
A fee in lieu under section 83.491 is not a security deposit. It follows a different set of rules, so do not use the ordinary deposit-return path without first confirming what you paid.
What if I moved out early?
Unless the written rental agreement provides otherwise, section 83.49(5) can require at least seven days' written notice by certified mail or personal delivery for certain early moves and periodic tenancies. The notice includes an address where the tenant can be reached.
Missing that notice can affect the landlord's claim-notice duty, but it does not waive the tenant's right to the deposit.
Want the shorter path?
The state-specific Recovery System lays out what to do and gives you the send-ready Recovery Letters. You complete everything privately on your own device and move forward.
Get the Deposit Recovery System
Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.