Security deposit rules in Florida
The deadline for the itemized statement, what can be deducted, and the documents to keep — with links to the statute.
Itemized statement due within
30 days
Within 30 days after the rental agreement terminates, send written notice of your intention to impose a claim on the deposit, by certified mail to the tenant's last known mailing address or by e-mail as allowed by s. 83.505. If you are not making a claim, return the full deposit within 15 days (§ 83.49(3)(a)).
If it's missed: Without the written notice within 30 days, the landlord forfeits the right to impose a claim on the deposit and may not set off against it, though an action for damages remains available after the deposit is returned (§ 83.49(3)(a)).
Florida prescribes a notice
Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a) sets out a “Notice of intention to impose claim on security deposit”. MoveOutGuard prints it in the PDF, filled in with your amounts. By certified mail to the tenant's last known mailing address, or by e-mail in accordance with s. 83.505, within 30 days after the rental agreement terminates.
What the statement must cover
- Send the notice within 30 days after the rental agreement terminates, by certified mail (or e-mail under s. 83.505).
- Include the statement required by § 83.49(3)(a) — MoveOutGuard prints it in the packet with your amount, reasons and address.
- Do not deduct for normal wear and tear.
- Without a timely notice you forfeit the right to impose a claim on the deposit and may not set off against it, though you may sue for damages after returning it (§ 83.49(3)(a)).
Receipts and documentation
- The notice must state the amount claimed and the reason for the claim, using the statutory statement printed in your packet.
- Florida does not require receipts to be attached, but keep the invoices behind each charge in case the tenant objects.
- If the tenant does not object within 15 days of receiving the notice, deduct the claim and remit the balance within 30 days after the date of the notice (§ 83.49(3)(b)).
Gray areas to review carefully
15-day refund vs. 30-day notice of claim
No deductions: return the full deposit within 15 days. Keeping any part: send the notice of intention to impose a claim within 30 days, in the statutory form.
Certified mail (or e-mail under s. 83.505)
The statute specifies how the notice is sent. Ordinary mail is not one of the listed methods.
Normal wear and tear vs. damage
Deductions are for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?
Within 30 days after the rental agreement terminates, send written notice of your intention to impose a claim on the deposit, by certified mail to the tenant's last known mailing address or by e-mail as allowed by s. 83.505. If you are not making a claim, return the full deposit within 15 days (§ 83.49(3)(a)). Source: Florida Statutes Section 83.49 (checked October 2026). This is a general rule — verify your specific situation and any local ordinances.
Is an itemized statement required in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires a written itemized list of deductions. Send the notice within 30 days after the rental agreement terminates, by certified mail (or e-mail under s. 83.505).
Can a landlord deduct for "normal wear and tear" in Florida?
Generally no. Deductions are for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear — such as stains, burns, large holes, or breakage — not for the normal aging of a unit. Compare move-in and move-out photos for each item, and check Florida Statutes Section 83.49 for the exact rule.
What happens if the landlord misses the deadline in Florida?
Without the written notice within 30 days, the landlord forfeits the right to impose a claim on the deposit and may not set off against it, though an action for damages remains available after the deposit is returned (§ 83.49(3)(a)). This is a summary of the statute, not legal advice.
Does MoveOutGuard support Florida?
Yes. Pick Florida when you open a packet: the deadline estimate (30 days to send a notice of claim (15 to refund in full)), the itemization checklist and the statute reference (Florida Statutes Section 83.49) come with it, and the notice wording Florida requires (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)) is printed in the PDF. You upload photos and receipts, review every line, and export the packet.
Build your Florida statement packet
Upload photos and receipts, draft and review each deduction, and track the Florida deadline — free. $29 unlocks the itemized statement and PDF for that packet.
MoveOutGuard is a document preparation and evidence organization tool. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Drafts, checklists, and deadline estimates require your review and are not a guarantee of compliance or outcomes. For legal questions, consult a licensed attorney.