ReclaimDepositFlorida Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Deadline
15/30 days
15 days if no claim, 30 days to send certified notice if claiming deductions
Penalty
1x
Forfeiture of all claims on deposit
Small claims limit
$8,000
County Court
Requirements
Move-in checklistNot required
Pre move-out inspectionNot required
Certified mailRequired
Forwarding addressNot required
Tenant objection period: 15 days
Notes
- CERTIFIED MAIL REQUIRED for landlord's notice of intent to claim deductions
- Tenant has 15 days to object in writing after receiving landlord's claim notice
- Interest may be owed on deposits (5% simple or 75% of account rate)
- Failure to send certified notice within 30 days forfeits ALL claims
Citations
Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Always verify against the official statute.
- Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3) - Landlord must return deposit within 15 days (no claim) or 30 days (with claim)
- Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a) - Landlord must send written notice of intent to claim via certified mail
- Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a) - Notice of claim MUST be sent by certified mail
- Fla. Stat. § 83.49 - Landlord cannot charge for normal wear and tear
- Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a) - Failure to send timely certified notice forfeits all claims
- Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a) - Tenant has 15 days to object after receiving landlord's claim
Next steps
Use free tools to estimate your deadline and prepare a demand letter.