How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Florida?

In Florida, a landlord has 15 days to return your full security deposit if they are taking no deductions, or 30 days to mail you written notice if they intend to keep any part of it. These deadlines come from Florida Statute 83.49, and missing them carries real consequences for the landlord.

The Two Deadlines That Matter

Florida’s security deposit law gives a landlord one of two clear timelines after you move out, depending on whether they plan to keep any of your money:

• 15 days — full refund. If the landlord intends to make no deductions, they must return your entire deposit (plus any interest owed) within 15 days of the day you vacate.
• 30 days — notice of claim. If the landlord intends to keep all or part of the deposit, they must send you a written notice by certified mail within 30 days, itemizing every deduction and the reason for it.

When Does the Clock Start?

The countdown begins when you vacate the property — generally when your tenancy ends and you turn over possession, not when your lease was signed or when you gave notice. That is why your move-out date, and proof of it, matters so much. Returning keys with a dated message, a final walkthrough, or a forwarding address in writing all help establish exactly when the clock started.

What the 30-Day Notice Must Contain

A landlord cannot simply keep your money and stay silent. To make a valid claim, the written notice must:

• Be sent by certified mail to your last known mailing address
• Itemize each deduction with a specific dollar amount
• State the reason for each deduction
• Inform you of your right to object within 15 days

A vague line like “cleaning and repairs — $500” generally does not satisfy this requirement.

What Happens If the Landlord Misses the Deadline?

This is the part landlords hope you don’t know. If your landlord fails to send a proper notice within 30 days, Florida law says they forfeit the right to impose a claim on the deposit. In plain terms: miss the deadline, and they generally have to return the whole thing — even if the unit genuinely needed repairs. The procedure isn’t a formality; it’s the heart of the statute.

You Have a Right to Object

If you do receive a timely itemized notice but disagree with it, you have 15 days from receiving it to send a written objection. Once you object, the landlord cannot just keep the disputed money — they must either return it or file a court action to justify the deductions. Many never bother, because their claims don’t hold up.

How Long Do You Have to Take Action?

Florida’s statute of limitations on a written lease is generally five years, so even an older dispute may still be actionable. That said, the sooner you act, the easier it is to gather move-out photos, texts, and records while they’re fresh. For a deeper breakdown of the underlying law, see our guide to Florida Statute 83.49 explained in plain English.

The Bottom Line

15 days for a full refund, 30 days for an itemized notice of deductions — and a real penalty when the landlord misses either window. If your deadline has passed and you haven’t seen your deposit or a proper notice, you likely have a strong claim. Wherever you rent — from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to Tampa and Orlando — the same rules apply statewide.