Florida Security Deposit Return Deadline
- Penalty for missing it
- none — NO statutory multiplier penalty (N/A. The sanction for missing the 15/30-day notice is FORFEITURE of the landlord's right to impose a claim on the deposit (landlord may still sue separately in civil court). Prevailing party in any deposit lawsuit gets attorney's fees and costs.)
- The law
- Fla. Stat. § 83.595 (Deposit money or advance rent; duty of landlord and tenant)
The rule
TWO-STEP process (§ 83.595(3)): within 15 days of tenant vacating for lease termination, landlord must EITHER return the deposit in full (with interest if required) OR send written notice BY CERTIFIED MAIL to tenant's last known address of intent to impose a claim + the reasons. If a claim is made, the tenant has 15 days to object; unobjected claims are deducted and the remainder returned. If tenant objects, funds stay in the account until agreement or court.
- The statute says '15 days to return OR 30 days to give notice of claim' — the common shorthand '15-day notice + 30-day return' is backwards; the correct read is 15 days to return in full if no claim, 30 days to notify of an intended claim.
- No initial claim notice required if tenant vacates/abandons before lease expiration without timely notice of intent to terminate.
- Interest: 5% simple interest owed if landlord posts a surety bond; landlords with 5+ units must notify tenant within 30 days of receipt of the deposit how/where it is held.
- No cap on deposit amount; no mandatory itemized-receipt rule beyond the certified-mail claim notice.
What happens if your landlord misses the deadline
In Florida, a missed deadline seriously weakens your landlord's position. Depending on the circumstances, they may forfeit the right to deduct anything at all, owe you the penalty above, or both. The exact consequence depends on Fla. Stat. § 83.595 (Deposit money or advance rent; duty of landlord and tenant) and whether they provided the required itemized statement. Don't assume the money is gone — a missed deadline is often the strongest fact pattern for getting it back.
Your next steps in Florida
- Confirm the clock ran. Make sure you provided a forwarding address in writing, and that the full deadline has passed.
- Send a demand letter citing Fla. Stat. § 83.595 (Deposit money or advance rent; duty of landlord and tenant) and the none — NO statutory multiplier penalty penalty. Most landlords pay at this stage.
- If they ignore it, file in small claims. See our walkthrough for the process.
Florida deposit questions
How long does my Florida landlord have to return my deposit?
TWO-STEP process (§ 83.595(3)): within 15 days of tenant vacating for lease termination, landlord must EITHER return the deposit in full (with interest if required) OR send written notice BY CERTIFIED MAIL to tenant's last known address of intent to impose a claim + the reasons. If a claim is made, the tenant has 15 days to object; unobjected claims are deducted and the remainder returned. If tenant objects, funds stay in the account until agreement or court.
What if my landlord never sends an itemized list of deductions?
In most states — including Florida — failing to provide the required itemized statement within the deadline forfeits the landlord's right to withhold anything. Check Fla. Stat. § 83.595 (Deposit money or advance rent; duty of landlord and tenant) for the exact rule.
Can I get more than my deposit back in Florida?
Florida law allows none — NO statutory multiplier penalty for N/A. The sanction for missing the 15/30-day notice is FORFEITURE of the landlord's right to impose a claim on the deposit (landlord may still sue separately in civil court). Prevailing party in any deposit lawsuit gets attorney's fees and costs.. See our penalties guide for how judges apply this.
Source: https://flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2001/Chapter83/All · Verified 2026-10-09