Florida Security Deposit Deadline
Florida has two main security deposit deadlines. If the landlord does not intend to keep any part of the deposit, the deposit and required interest are generally due within 15 days after the rental agreement terminates after you vacate. If the landlord intends to keep money, the landlord must send a written claim notice within 30 days after termination.
Florida is not a simple 30-day return state. The right deadline depends on whether the landlord is making a claim, and your proof should show which path applies.
The 15-day no-claim rule
If the landlord does not intend to impose a claim on the deposit, Florida Statutes section 83.49 generally requires the landlord to return the deposit, plus required interest, within 15 days after termination of the rental agreement after you vacate.
In plain English: if the landlord is not trying to keep money, the deposit should come back quickly.
The 30-day claim-notice rule
If the landlord intends to keep any part of the deposit, the landlord must send a written notice of intention to impose a claim within 30 days after termination.
That notice must explain that the landlord intends to impose a claim and state the reason for the claim. Florida allows the claim notice to be sent by certified mail to the tenant's last known mailing address, or by email only if the Florida electronic-notice rule applies.
The 15-day objection window
If you receive a Florida claim notice and disagree, object in writing within 15 days after you receive it.
Your objection should identify what you dispute, why you dispute it, and the amount you believe should be returned. Keep a copy and proof of delivery.
Why your mailing address matters
Florida's claim-notice process depends heavily on where notices can be sent. Give your landlord your current mailing address in writing and keep proof.
If the landlord sends the claim notice to your last known mailing address, your records may matter later when showing whether you received it and whether your written objection was timely.
What happens if the landlord misses the deadline?
If the landlord misses the 30-day claim-notice deadline, Florida can make the landlord lose the right to take that claim from the deposit. The landlord may still be able to file a separate damages action after returning the deposit, so the demand should focus on the missed notice, the amount held, and the written record.
Related Florida guides
- Florida security deposit law
- Florida security deposit demand letter
- What can a Florida landlord deduct?
- Florida security deposit evidence guide
The free guide above explains the Florida deadline. The paid system gives you the Florida-specific letters in order, so you are not guessing what to send next.
The system is useful because the deadline is only the start. You still need the address record, claim-notice proof, written objection if needed, and a clean follow-up path.
Get the Deposit Recovery System
Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.