Florida Security Deposit Return Law: The 15-Day and 30-Day Rules

Florida’s security deposit law runs on two different clocks depending on one single decision your landlord makes right after you move out — and most renters never realize which clock applies to them.

Two deadlines, not one

Under Florida Statute §83.49, the timeline splits based on whether the landlord intends to keep any of your deposit:

• If they’re returning the full deposit with no deductions, they have 15 days from move-out
• If they intend to make any claim against it, they have 30 days to send you written notice by certified mail, at your last known address, stating the amount and reason

That second deadline is a notice deadline, not a payment deadline — it’s the landlord telling you they’re keeping some or all of it, and why. You then have the right to object.

Your 15 days to object

Once you receive that written claim notice, you have 15 days to send a written objection. If you don’t respond in that window, the landlord can deduct the claimed amount from your deposit. This is the step renters most often miss — silence is treated as agreement in Florida.

In Florida, not responding to a deposit claim letter within 15 days is treated the same as agreeing to it.

What happens if the landlord misses their deadline

If your landlord doesn’t send the required notice within 30 days, they generally forfeit the right to keep any part of the deposit for damages — though they may still be able to pursue you separately for actual unpaid rent. Missing the notice deadline is not automatically a payday, but it is strong leverage.

What to do at each step

1. Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out — Florida law expects this
2. If 15 days pass with no deposit and no claim letter, send a written demand for the full amount
3. If you get a claim letter, respond in writing within 15 days if you disagree with any part of it, and say specifically why
4. If they still won’t return an amount they’ve forfeited the right to keep, small claims court is the next step

Not sure exactly how many days have passed, or what your landlord actually owes you? Run the numbers in our free security deposit calculator — it does the date math and flags whether your landlord has already blown the deadline.

For help drafting a response to a claim letter or challenging specific deductions, see our deposit dispute guide.

Quick reference

1. Full refund: landlord has 15 days to return it
2. Any deduction claim: landlord has 30 days to send written notice by certified mail
3. You have 15 days to object in writing once you receive a claim letter, or it’s treated as accepted
4. Missing the 30-day notice generally forfeits the landlord’s right to withhold for damages

This article is general information for renters, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant law changes, and city or county ordinances can add rules on top of state law. Confirm specifics with a local tenant rights organization or attorney before acting.