Florida · FL · updated 2026
In Florida, a landlord must return a security deposit within 15 calendar days
Quick answer
A Florida landlord has 15 calendar days after you move out to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss it in bad faith and the landlord can end up owing you more than the deposit itself.
Under Florida security deposit law, a Florida landlord has 15 calendar days to return your security deposit, counted from when you move out. By statute, Florida sets no statutory cap on how much a landlord can charge. If the landlord misses the deadline or keeps money you are owed, you can push back in writing and, if needed, in small claims court.
- Return deadline
- 15 calendar days
- Deadline counted from
- you move out
- Itemized statement
- Required
- Move-in condition list
- Not required by statute
- Maximum deposit
- No statutory cap
- Interest on deposit
- Not required
Calculate your exact Florida deadline
Enter your move-out date to see the exact calendar date the deadline lands on. It runs on your device, so nothing you type is uploaded.
What a Florida landlord can deduct
- Unpaid rent and unpaid utilities you owe under the lease
- Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (not normal aging, fading, or minor marks)
- An itemized written statement of every deduction (Florida requires it, so ask for it in writing)
If the landlord withholds in bad faith
Landlord who fails to give the required notice within 30 days forfeits the right to impose a claim on the deposit; the prevailing party in a court action is entitled to costs and reasonable attorney's fees.
How to get your deposit back in Florida
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with dated photos of every room (a move-in / move-out checklist keeps it organized).
- Confirm your exact return deadline with the deadline calculator.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed.
- If it is still ignored, you can file in small claims court.
Common Florida deposit disputes
- The deadline passed and you have heard nothing
- Send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed. Keep proof you sent it.
- You got money back but disagree with the deductions
- Florida requires an itemized statement, so ask for it in writing first, then dispute anything charged as ordinary wear and tear.
- You are still deciding whether the case is worth it
- Confirm the exact deadline below, gather your dated move-out photos, and read the penalty your state allows before you commit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?
- In Florida, a landlord must return a security deposit within 15 calendar days.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Florida?
- Florida statute sets no maximum on the security deposit a landlord can charge.
- Can my Florida landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or normal wear?
- Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Florida requires the landlord to give an itemized statement of deductions.
- Does a Florida landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
- No. Florida does not require the landlord to pay interest on the security deposit.
- What if my Florida landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
- Landlord who fails to give the required notice within 30 days forfeits the right to impose a claim on the deposit; the prevailing party in a court action is entitled to costs and reasonable attorney's fees.
15 days to return deposit if no claim made. If landlord claims deductions instead: 30 days to send written notice of intent, tenant has 15 days to object, then 30 days to remit any balance. Interest owed only if deposit is placed in an interest-bearing account or bond. No statutory cap.