Florida Security Deposit Recovery
Draft a demand letter grounded in Florida landlord-tenant law. Cited, validated, and ready to send to your former landlord.
Florida Deposit Law at a Glance
Primary Statute
Fla. Stat. §83.49
Return Deadline
15 days (no claim) or 30 days (with claim)
Penalty
If the landlord misses the 30-day certified-mail notice, they forfeit the right to keep any of the deposit — plus you may recover attorney's fees and court costs.
What Fla. Stat. §83.49 Provides
Requires landlords to return deposits within 15 days if no claim, or 30 days with an itemized claim sent via certified mail.
This is general information about the statute. A demand letter generated by Resolvaio will cite the specific subsections relevant to your situation. Verify current law with official sources.
How to Recover Your Deposit in Florida
- 1Answer diagnostic questions about your tenancy, move-out date, deposit amount, and any deductions claimed.
- 2Receive a demand letter citing Fla. Stat. §83.49 and other applicable Florida statutes.
- 3Review and send via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. We track the statutory deadline.
- 4If no response, escalation documents for small claims court or a state attorney general complaint are available.
Refund available before generation. One letter per case.
Florida small claims by county
If your landlord ignores the demand letter, here's where you file in Florida — with each county's court and filing fee.
Florida security deposit — common questions
- How long does my Florida landlord have to return my deposit?
- If the landlord makes no claim on the deposit, they have 15 days to return it. If they intend to keep part of it, they must send you written notice by certified mail within 30 days of your move-out (Fla. Stat. § 83.49).
- What happens if my Florida landlord misses the certified-mail deadline?
- If the landlord fails to send the required written notice by certified mail within 30 days, they forfeit the right to make any claim against the deposit — the full amount must be returned (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(c)).
- What can a Florida landlord deduct from my deposit?
- A Florida landlord may deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and must state the specific reasons in the certified-mail notice. You then have 15 days to object in writing.
- Can my Florida landlord charge me for cleaning?
- Only for cleaning beyond ordinary wear and tear. Routine wear from normal living is not a valid deduction, and any deduction must be itemized in the 30-day notice.
- How much can I sue for in Florida?
- Florida county courts handle small claims deposit disputes up to $8,000, and you may also recover attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail. Filing does not require a lawyer.
General information about Florida law. Resolvaio is a writing and research assistance tool, not a law firm. Verify current statutes with official sources before acting.