Security deposit return deadlines · Florida
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?
15 or 30 days
A Florida landlord must return the deposit within 15 days, or within 30 days send notice of a claim against it by certified mail or permitted e-mail.
Source: Florida Statutes § 83.49 · checked October 9, 2026
Calculate your Florida deadline
What Florida law says
- With no claim, the full deposit is due within 15 days after the rental agreement ends.
- To keep part of it, the landlord must send a notice of intention to impose a claim within 30 days.
- You then have 15 days from receiving that notice to object in writing.
What to do next
- Write down the move-out date, the date you returned the keys and when you gave a forwarding address.
- Collect the lease, proof of the deposit payment, move-out photos and any messages about deductions.
- Ask in writing for the balance or an itemized explanation, with a clear reply date.
- Send it to the notice address in the lease. Certified Mail with Return Receipt gives you proof of delivery.
- If there is still no answer, small claims court is a common next step; filing rules vary by state.
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Other states
- California — 21 days
- Georgia — 30 days
- Illinois — 30 or 45 days
- Michigan — 30 days
- New York — 14 days
- North Carolina — 30 days
- Ohio — 30 days
- Pennsylvania — 30 days
- Texas — 30 days