Florida Security Deposit Deadlines
What the Law Requires After You Move Out
Florida law sets strict deadlines landlords must follow after you move out. If they miss one, you may have leverage to recover your full deposit.
Used by renters across Florida · Secure checkout · Not legal advice
In Florida, timing is often more important than damage
Many renters focus on photos and condition. That matters — but Florida security deposit disputes are frequently decided by deadlines, not repairs.
If a landlord:
- Misses a deadline
- Sends notice incorrectly
- Fails to itemize deductions
They may lose the right to keep part or all of the deposit.
Florida courts expect strict compliance with the statute.
Florida security deposit deadlines explained
After you move out and provide a forwarding address:
Florida Deadlines
If these deadlines are missed, the landlord's ability to keep the deposit may be weakened.
Florida security deposits are governed by Florida Statute §83.49.
This is where many landlords make mistakes
A valid Florida deduction notice must:
- Be in writing
- Be sent within 30 days
- Clearly list each deduction and amount
- Be delivered to your forwarding address
Common landlord errors include:
- Sending notice late
- Sending vague or lump sum deductions
- Using texts or emails instead of proper notice
- Failing to itemize
- Charging estimates instead of actual costs
Each error can reduce their leverage.
What it means if Florida deadlines were not followed
If deadlines were missed:
- You may be entitled to your full deposit
- The landlord may lose the right to deductions
- You gain leverage in negotiations or escalation
Many Florida disputes resolve once deadlines are clearly cited and documented — without court.
What actually works
Renters who succeed usually:
- Confirm the exact Florida deadline
- Organize move out photos by room and date
- Document communications chronologically
Send a professional, law referenced demand letter. Escalate only if necessary.
Unorganized disputes get ignored. Clear, professional disputes get responses.
Built for Florida deposit disputes
DepositReady helps you:
- Calculate your exact Florida deadline
- Understand whether your landlord complied
- Organize evidence correctly
- Generate a Florida compliant demand letter
- Create a single dispute packet you can reuse
You see your deadline before paying.
Florida Security Deposit FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to dispute a Florida deposit?
No. Many disputes resolve with proper documentation and notice.
What if I never gave a forwarding address?
Deadlines may depend on when or if a forwarding address was provided.
Can landlords charge for cleaning in Florida?
Only for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Is this legal advice?
No. DepositReady provides documentation tools and state specific information.
Check your Florida security deposit deadline in 30 seconds
Know where you stand before taking action. $39 one time · Takes about 10 minutes · Instant download. Typical Florida deposits range from $1,000–$3,000.
DepositReady is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. No outcomes are guaranteed.