Security deposits in Florida: the 15-day rule

The question this answers: “How many days does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Florida?”

Your landlord must return your security deposit within 15 days after the termination of the rental agreement [2].

If your landlord intends to keep part of the deposit to cover damages or unpaid rent, they must notify you in writing within 30 days of move-out, stating the reason for the claim [2]. You then have 15 days from receiving that notice to object in writing; if you don't object, the landlord can deduct the claimed amount [2].

If your landlord fails to provide the required written notice within the 30-day window, they forfeit the right to make any claim against the deposit [2].

Important: If you paid a "fee in lieu of security deposit" instead, different rules apply—your landlord has 30 days to notify you of any costs or fees owed [4].

A Florida landlord-tenant attorney can help you enforce these rules if your deposit was not returned timely or if deductions seem improper.