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Florida security deposit demand letter
Also: Florida security deposit return deadline (15 days)
DepositLetter is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Letters are templates based on the information you provide. Laws change and local rules may differ; check the official source linked on each state page or talk to a licensed attorney or local tenant organization.
The rule in plain English
If the landlord does not intend to claim any of the deposit, it must be returned within 15 days after the lease ends. If the landlord intends to impose a claim, written notice by certified mail (or e-mail per s. 83.505) must be sent within 30 days; otherwise the landlord forfeits the right to impose a claim on the deposit. The tenant then has 15 days after receiving the notice to object in writing; the balance must be remitted within 30 days after the date of the notice.
Statute: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)
Deadline calculator
Enter a move-out date.
Steps for tenants
Give the landlord your new address; if you receive a notice of claim, object in writing within 15 days.
Penalty & remedies
In a court action over the deposit, the prevailing party recovers court costs plus a reasonable attorney's fee (§ 83.49(3)(c)).
What to put in your letter
What to put in your Florida demand letter: your forwarding address, move-out date, deposit paid, amount returned, and a short list of disputed charges. Quote Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3) and summarize the rule in your own words: If the landlord does not intend to claim any of the deposit, it must be returned within 15 days after the lease ends. If… Ask for payment by a specific date and say you will consider small claims court if needed. Mention you are sending the letter certified mail.
Going further
Florida’s deposit rules hinge on notices. If you never got a certified-mail claim notice within 30 days, your landlord may have lost the right to impose deductions—verify your facts before stating that in a letter. If you did get a notice, your 15-day window to object in writing is critical. Forwarding your new address early avoids disputes about where notices were sent. In your demand, separate unpaid rent claims from damage claims if your landlord mixed them. Keep copies of keys return receipts and utility final bills; they support your timeline.
Read more about what to do if your landlord ignores your demand letter.
Sources
Last checked: October 20, 2026
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FAQ
How long does a Florida landlord have to return a deposit?
15 days under Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3). If the landlord does not intend to claim any of the deposit, it must be returned within 15 days after the lease ends. If the landlord intends to impose a claim, written notice by certified mail (or e-mail per s. 83.505) must be sent within 30 days; otherwise the landlord forfeits the right to impose a claim on the deposit. The tenant then has 15 days after receiving the notice to object in writing; the balance must be remitted within 30 days after the date of the notice.
What should Florida tenants do before move-out?
Give the landlord your new address; if you receive a notice of claim, object in writing within 15 days.
Can DepositLetter cite other laws for me?
We only cite the verified statute and rule on this page—not extra penalties unless listed above.
How do I preselect this state in the tool?
Use the button below or visit the home page with your state in the dropdown.
Is this legal advice?
DepositLetter is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Letters are templates based on the information you provide. Laws change and local rules may differ; check the official source linked on each state page or talk to a licensed attorney or local tenant organization.