Florida security deposits run on written clocks
Florida rental deposits have notice timing built into the law, so renters should save the lease, move-out photos, and written messages.
Florida security deposits are not just a handshake at move-out.
Florida law sets written steps for deposits, advance rent, claims, and replies. If the landlord makes no claim, the deposit and any interest due generally go back within 15 days after the tenancy ends. If the landlord makes a claim, written notice generally goes out within 30 days. The tenant then generally has 15 days after getting the notice to object in writing.
Those clocks can depend on the move-out date, notice address, delivery method, and lease. Email counts as a legal notice method only when it follows the signed email-notice addendum in section 83.505. A repair portal or regular email thread can still help as proof. It may not count as the legal notice by itself.
If the landlord misses the 30-day notice window, that does not end every possible damage dispute. The landlord must return the deposit before filing a separate case for damages. A tenant who misses the reply window may still have a separate claim. When money is in dispute, get legal help before the next deadline.
Before you hand over the keys, save the lease and payment proof. Keep your move-in and move-out photos, repair messages, key-return proof, and forwarding address too. If a claim notice arrives, check its date and reply steps. Ask a lawyer or legal-aid office for help before the deadline passes.
Related practical guide
Sources
Last checked against these sources: July 13, 2026.
Related Florida notes
Money and taxes
Florida fee in lieu of security deposit is not a deposit
Florida renters may see a fee option instead of a security deposit, but the fee agreement deserves a slow read before move-in.
Read this note ->Home and property
Florida renters insurance is a personal belongings check
A Florida renter should not assume the landlord's policy covers clothes, furniture, electronics, liability, or temporary living costs.
Read this note ->Home and property
Florida rental flood disclosure is a long-lease paper
Florida renters signing a year-or-longer lease should look for a separate flood-disclosure document and check how contents coverage works.
Read this note ->Home and property
Florida radon wording is not a test result
Florida sale and rental papers can include radon language, but that wording is different from an actual test of the building.
Read this note ->