Your Florida move-out file should establish the end date, the day you left, when you returned possession, where the landlord should send notices, and the unit's condition.
Here is the practical checklist.
Before move-out
- Save the rental agreement and deposit receipt.
- Confirm the termination date and any required end-of-term notice.
- Check whether section 83.49(5)'s seven-day rule applies to an early move or periodic tenancy.
- Give the landlord your new mailing address in writing.
- Ask how and when to return keys and access devices.
- Complete repairs or cleaning you are responsible for.
- Photograph and video every room, appliance, fixture, floor, wall, and exterior area you used.
On the day you leave
- Take final, date-preserved photos and video.
- Remove all belongings and trash.
- Record meter readings if relevant.
- Return keys and possession in a way you can prove.
- Save the name of anyone who witnessed the condition or key return.
After move-out
- Mark the 15-day no-claim and 30-day claim-notice dates.
- Save any certified-mail envelope or qualifying email notice.
- If you dispute a claim, send a written objection within 15 days after receipt.
- Keep any refund, check envelope, accounting, and landlord response.
If you used email for a notice, confirm there was a signed section 83.505 addendum. For the special seven-day tenant notice in section 83.49(5), follow its stated certified-mail or personal-delivery methods unless the written rental agreement provides otherwise.
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.