How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?

In Florida, a landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement for any deductions, within 15 days of move-out. 15 days if no deductions; 30 days to send written notice of an intent to claim (you then have 15 days to object).

What is the small claims limit for a deposit dispute in Florida?

Small claims court in Florida handles disputes up to $8,000.

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Florida security deposit law

⚠️ Not legal advice. DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Return deadline

15 days

15 days if no deductions; 30 days to send written notice of an intent to claim (you then have 15 days to object).

Small claims limit

$8,000

What you need to know

• No deductions? Deposit due in 15 days. Claiming deductions? Written notice within 30 days by certified mail.
• If the landlord misses the 30-day claim notice, they forfeit the right to withhold anything.
• Object to a claim in writing within 15 days of receiving it — silence can be treated as consent.

Itemization: Written notice of claim by certified mail is required for any deduction.

Interest: Interest owed only if the landlord held the deposit in an interest-bearing account.

Deposit cap: No statutory cap.

If they wrongfully withhold: A landlord who misses the notice deadline forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit.

Statute: Fla. Stat. § 83.49

What’s at stake for you?

Deadlines and penalties are state law — check yours, then lock in the evidence.

Your state

Your security deposit ($)

💰 At stake: your $1,500 deposit.

⏱ Deadline: Florida landlords must act within 15 days of move-out. 15 days if no deductions; 30 days to send written notice of an intent to claim (you then have 15 days to object).

⚖️ Your leverage: A landlord who misses the notice deadline forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit.

🏛 If it comes to it: small claims in Florida handles up to $8,000 — no lawyer needed.

None of this matters without evidence.

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⚠️ Estimates for general information only — not legal advice and not guaranteed to be accurate. State laws change; verify current law before relying on this. Actual outcomes depend on the facts, your local law, and the courts.

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DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.