Florida security deposit demand letter
Create a Florida security deposit demand letter using the residential-deposit rules verified July 24, 2026. The form checks the facts that control statutory coverage, the return clock, itemization, notice, and any qualified remedy before it inserts state-law text.
What law governs a residential security deposit in Florida?
Florida Statutes § 83.49 governs ordinary residential security deposits. The section excludes transient occupancy and deposits regulated by specified public/federal housing law, and public-housing arrangements can require specialized handling. The citation is used only after the factual scope questions confirm that the ordinary residential rule applies. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49.
Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49 · Verified July 24, 2026
When is a security deposit or accounting due in Florida?
Current law gives 15 days to return a no-claim deposit and 30 days to send a claim notice, measured after termination of the rental agreement, once the tenant has vacated for termination. A balance after an uncontested claim notice is due within 30 days after the notice. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3).
Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3) · Verified July 24, 2026
What itemization or documentation is required in Florida?
If any amount is claimed, the landlord must give written notice stating the reason and amount in substantially the statutory form. The current statute permits certified-mail notice or qualifying email notice under § 83.505. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a); Fla. Stat. § 83.505.
Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a) · Verified July 24, 2026
What remedy may apply if a Florida landlord does not comply?
Missing the 30-day claim-notice deadline forfeits the right to impose a claim against or set off the deposit, although the landlord may return the deposit and sue separately for damages. Forfeiture follows from untimely notice without a stated bad-faith element. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a), (c); Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3).
Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a), (c); Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3) · Verified July 24, 2026
Does Florida require a demand, delivery method, or prescribed form?
No special method governs an ordinary post-tenancy tenant demand. Florida prescribes the landlord’s claim notice, not a general tenant-demand form. No exact objection wording is prescribed. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(5); Fla. Stat. § 83.505; Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3).
Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(5); Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3) · Verified July 24, 2026
Florida Statutes § 83.49 governs ordinary residential security deposits. The section excludes transient occupancy and deposits regulated by specified public/federal housing law, and public-housing arrangements can require specialized handling.