Florida has three numbers to track: 15 days if the landlord makes no claim, 30 days for a landlord's claim notice, and 15 days for a tenant's written objection after receiving that notice.
The clock is tied to termination of the rental agreement after the tenant vacates—not simply the day someone first asks for the money.
No claim: 15 days
If the landlord does not intend to impose a claim, the deposit and any required interest are generally due within 15 days after termination.
Claim: notice within 30 days
If the landlord intends to keep any part of the deposit, written notice of the claim and the reason is generally due within 30 days after termination.
The ordinary route is certified mail to the tenant's last-known mailing address. Email is an alternative only when the signed-addendum and delivery requirements in section 83.505 are satisfied.
Tenant objection: 15 days after receipt
If you disagree with a claim, object in writing within 15 days after receiving the notice. State what you dispute and keep proof of delivery.
If no timely objection is made, the landlord may deduct the claim and must send the balance within 30 days after the claim notice. Missing the objection window does not waive the tenant's right to later sue for a refund.
If the landlord misses 30 days
The landlord generally loses the right to impose the claim against the deposit as a setoff. The statute still permits a separate damages action after the deposit is returned.
One important exception
Section 83.49(5) can alter the landlord's claim-notice duty when certain early-vacating or periodic tenants fail to give the required seven-day written notice. That failure does not waive the tenant's underlying right to the deposit.
Use the move-out checklist to preserve the dates and address record, then review what to do if the deposit was not returned.
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.