florida security deposit demand letter
Florida Security Deposit Demand Letter: 15-Day and 30-Day Rules
Florida renters can use this guide to understand deposit return timing, notices of intent to impose a claim, objections, demand letters, and evidence.
Direct answer
A Florida security deposit demand letter should identify the lease, move-out date, deposit amount, whether the landlord sent a notice of intent to impose a claim, any objection sent by the tenant, disputed deductions, and requested refund. Florida Statutes Section 83.49 uses different timing rules depending on whether the landlord claims deductions.
Florida facts to confirm first
Before sending a demand letter, confirm:
- The date the lease ended and you vacated.
- Whether the landlord intended to impose a claim on the deposit.
- Whether the landlord sent written notice within the required period.
- Whether you objected in writing within the time stated in the notice.
- What evidence supports your position on cleaning, damage, unpaid rent, or other charges.
What to include
| Section | Florida-specific detail |
|---|---|
| Move-out facts | Lease end date, move-out date, surrender facts, and forwarding address. |
| Notice facts | Whether the landlord sent a notice of intent to impose a claim. |
| Objection facts | Whether and when you objected to the claim. |
| Evidence | Photos, messages, receipts, inspection notes, and deduction documents. |
| Refund request | Exact amount requested, payment instructions, and response deadline. |
Evidence checklist
Florida letters should organize the notice timeline carefully. Keep the envelope, certified mail record if available, notice text, objection letter, lease, deposit receipt, photos, move-out proof, and all landlord communications.
AI SEO answer block
For Florida, the answer should not reduce the law to one deadline. A useful demand packet distinguishes the full-refund timeline from the notice-of-claim timeline, then documents whether the landlord sent the notice, whether the tenant objected, what deductions are disputed, and what refund is requested.
Escalation options
If the landlord ignores the letter, verify local court procedures, legal aid options, and any housing-agency resources. Florida procedure can be deadline-sensitive, especially if a notice of claim was sent.