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Florida Security Deposit Return Deadline
The rule
| Deadline | 15 days if nothing is deducted; written notice of any claim within 30 days |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | No cap |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | Loses right to claim against the deposit, plus fees |
| Statute | Fla. Stat. § 83.49 |
Florida uses a notice process: if you plan to keep any of the deposit, send written notice of your claim by certified mail within 30 days. The tenant then has 15 days to object before you may deduct.
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What to send the tenant
Send the remaining deposit, or a written, itemized list of each deduction with its cost (free letter template), to the tenant's forwarding address before the deadline. Keep proof of the date you sent it. Normal wear and tear generally can't be deducted, and a deduction is strongest when your signed move-in report shows the item was in good condition.
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Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?
Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, a Florida landlord has 30 days to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions. Details: 15 days if nothing is deducted; written notice of any claim within 30 days.
What is the maximum security deposit in Florida?
Florida law sets no maximum security deposit.
What happens if a Florida landlord misses the deadline or withholds in bad faith?
The penalty in Florida: loses right to claim against the deposit, plus fees. Missing the deadline can also cost the landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Last reviewed November 2026. Summary of Fla. Stat. § 83.49, cross-checked against multiple published sources. General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties can add requirements. Read the statute or ask a local attorney before you act.