The deposit generally must be returned within 15 days after termination of the rental agreement.
The landlord generally must provide the statutory written notice of intent to impose a claim within 30 days.
The statutory notice tells the tenant to object in writing within 15 days after receipt.
The statutory disclosure tells tenants to provide a new address for deposit notices.
The two Florida deposit timelines
- If the landlord does not intend to impose a claim, the deposit and any required interest generally must be returned within 15 days after termination.
- If the landlord intends to impose a claim, written notice generally must be provided within 30 days after termination.
- The claim notice states that the tenant must object in writing within 15 days after receiving it.
What happens if the landlord misses the 30-day claim notice?
Section 83.49 says a landlord who fails to provide the required written claim notice within the 30-day period forfeits the right to impose a claim on the security deposit or seek a setoff against it. The statute still allows the landlord to file a separate action for damages after returning the deposit.
Records to keep
- Lease and deposit disclosures.
- Proof of the date the rental agreement terminated and possession was returned.
- Your forwarding/new-address notice.
- Certified-mail tracking or qualifying e-mail evidence.
- The claim notice, written objection and any remaining-deposit payment.
Official sources
Use these links to verify the rule directly.
Primary Florida statute for security-deposit handling, 15-day refunds, 30-day claim notices, tenant objections and move-out notice requirements.
Florida SenateFlorida Statutes § 83.505 — Electronic Delivery of Notices ↗Primary rule allowing statutory landlord-tenant notices by e-mail when both parties sign the required voluntary rental-agreement addendum.