Florida County Courts hear landlord-tenant disputes and small claims. The statewide small-claims limit is $8,000, excluding costs, interest, and attorney fees.
Before filing, make the case easy to follow: one timeline, one amount requested, and the documents that prove both.
Prepare the record
- Rental agreement and deposit-payment proof
- Termination, move-out, possession-return, and key-return dates
- Written current-address notice
- Claim notice, envelope, or qualifying email record
- Written objection and delivery proof
- Photos, videos, inspection records, invoices, and messages
- Demand letters and responses
- A calculation of the amount requested
Connect the facts to the rule
Identify whether the case involves the 15-day no-claim return deadline, a missing or late 30-day claim notice, a disputed claim, or more than one of those issues.
If the landlord missed the 30-day notice, distinguish the deposit setoff from any separate damages claim. If the dispute is about deductions, organize the evidence charge by charge.
Confirm local filing details
Florida's statewide court information is the starting point, but forms, filing fees, service steps, hearings, and local procedures should be confirmed with the appropriate county clerk before filing.
Florida Statutes sections 83.48 and 83.49 contain attorney-fee and court-cost rules, but an award depends on the action, result, and applicable facts. Do not treat it as automatic.
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.