FL · TenantClaim
Florida Security Deposit Return Laws & Calculator
Landlords generally have 15 calendar days to return a deposit under Florida Statutes Section 83.49. Use the calculator to check overdue status and estimated recovery.
Florida deposit calculator
Statutory math from Florida Statutes Section 83.49.
Ready to Calculate Your Rights
Enter your lease dates and deposit amounts to instantly evaluate:
- State statutory return deadline & overdue status
- Treble (3x) or double (2x) bad-faith penalty eligibility
- Small claims court limit & demand letter generation
Bad-faith penalties
Florida has no statutory 2x/3x bad-faith damages multiplier. If the landlord does not intend to impose a claim, the deposit must be returned within 15 days. If the landlord intends to impose a claim, the landlord must give written notice by certified mail within 30 days. Failure to give the required notice forfeits the landlord's right to impose a claim on the deposit (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)).
Multiplier: 0x
Wear and tear vs. unlawful deductions
Normal Wear & Tear
Landlord cannot deduct
- Faded or scuffed interior paint from ordinary occupancy in Florida
- Carpet wear or flattening in high-traffic pathways from normal foot traffic
- Small nail or pin holes from hanging pictures or curtains
Unlawful Deductions
These charges are illegal
- Charging for ordinary wear and tear instead of damage beyond normal use under Florida Statutes Section 83.49
- Keeping any part of the deposit without sending the required itemized statement within 15 calendar days
- Deducting for conditions that existed before move-in or that the landlord was obligated to repair
Small claims court filing limits
$8,000
Claims above this Florida ceiling may need District or Civil Court, or a voluntary reduction to stay in small claims.
View Full Florida Small Claims Court & Official Form GuideFlorida security deposit FAQ
How long does a Florida landlord have to return my deposit?+
Florida generally requires return within 15 calendar days after move-out under Florida Statutes Section 83.49. If the deadline falls on a weekend, TenantClaim rolls it to the next Monday.
What happens if the landlord keeps my deposit in bad faith?+
Florida has no statutory 2x/3x bad-faith damages multiplier. If the landlord does not intend to impose a claim, the deposit must be returned within 15 days. If the landlord intends to impose a claim, the landlord must give written notice by certified mail within 30 days. Failure to give the required notice forfeits the landlord's right to impose a claim on the deposit (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)).
What is the Florida small claims limit?+
Most tenants can file in small claims court for up to $8,000. Larger recoveries may need District or Civil Court, or a voluntary reduction of the claim.
Does the landlord have to send an itemized list?+
Yes. Florida requires an itemized deduction statement. Withholding money without that statement is a common unlawful deduction.