Did your Miami landlord keep your security deposit? We fight to get it back — with no fees unless we win.
Miami is one of the most expensive rental markets in the country, and for many tenants a security deposit represents an entire month’s pay or more. When a landlord wrongfully holds onto that money — blaming “cleaning,” “damage,” or charges that were never explained — it isn’t a minor inconvenience. It can throw off your entire budget. Hoffman Legal helps tenants from Brickell and Wynwood to Little Havana, Coral Gables, Kendall, Doral, Hialeah, and Aventura recover deposits that should never have been withheld.
Whether you rented a high-rise condo downtown or an apartment in the suburbs, the same law protects you: Florida Statute 83.49. We know how to use it, and we do the legal heavy lifting so you don’t have to face your landlord alone.
Florida’s security deposit rules are statewide, but here is how they play out for Miami-Dade tenants.
If your Miami landlord makes no deductions, your full deposit is due back within 15 days. If they want to keep any of it, they must mail you an itemized claim by certified mail within 30 days.
Deposit disputes are typically filed in the Miami-Dade County Court. Claims of $8,000 or less go through the small claims division — a faster, tenant-friendly process.
If your landlord blows the 30-day notice window or sends a vague claim, Florida law says they forfeit the right to keep your deposit — even if the unit truly needed work.
When a tenant prevails, Florida law generally requires the landlord to pay the tenant’s reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs — which is why we can take strong cases at no cost to you.
Tell us what happened. We review your lease, your move-out, and any deduction notice — at no cost — and tell you honestly whether you have a strong claim.
We gather your photos, texts, receipts, and payment records and pinpoint exactly where your landlord violated Statute 83.49.
We send a formal demand letter Miami landlords take seriously. Most disputes settle here — quickly and in your favor.
If the landlord won’t do the right thing, we’re ready to file in Miami-Dade County Court and pursue every dollar you’re owed.
You pay nothing unless we win. The consultation is always free.
Full bilingual representation for Miami’s English- and Spanish-speaking renters.
Speak with a real attorney, not a call center — day or night.
Handle your entire case by phone, email, or video. You never have to come to us.
The statewide rule applies in Miami: under Florida Statute 83.49, a landlord who makes no deductions must return your full deposit within 15 days of move-out. If they intend to keep any portion, they must send written, itemized notice by certified mail within 30 days.
Most Miami deposit disputes are filed in the Miami-Dade County Court. Claims of $8,000 or less are handled in the small claims division, which is faster and designed to be navigable. In practice, the vast majority of our cases settle before a courtroom is ever needed.
Often, no. Landlords cannot deduct for ordinary wear and tear — routine cleaning, faded paint, and minor scuffs are the landlord’s cost of doing business, not yours. If your itemized notice reads like a list of normal turnover costs, you likely have grounds to challenge it.
No — we help tenants throughout Miami-Dade County, including Brickell, Wynwood, Little Havana, Coral Gables, Kendall, Doral, Hialeah, Aventura, Miami Beach, and Homestead. Wherever you rent in the county, we can help.
Hoffman Legal represents tenants across Florida. Explore our other service areas: