Florida Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Florida facts

Security deposit deadline

15 days after the lease ends if the landlord makes no claim. If the landlord intends to keep any part, written notice of the claim must be sent within 30 days (certified mail to last known address, or e-mail under §… Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)-(b)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

3-day written notice to pay or vacate, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and court-observed legal holidays, substantially in the statutory form. Fla. Stat. § 83.56(3)

Small claims limit

$8,000, exclusive of costs, interest and attorneys' fees, for civil actions demanding money or property. Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.010(b) (July 1, 2026 edition)

Small estate affidavit

Florida has no general small estate affidavit. Two limited options exist: (1) a bank may pay a family member up to $2,000 total from deposit accounts or CDs held in the decedent's sole name with no pay-on-death or… Fla. Stat. §§ 735.301, 735.303

Cost of a protective order

No filing fee may be charged for a domestic violence injunction petition. Injunctions are served by the sheriff or law enforcement; Fla. Stat. § 741.30(2)(a)

Minimum wage

$15.00 per hour, effective September 30, 2026, and in effect through December 31, 2027. Starting in September 2027, the rate will again be adjusted each year for inflation, with each new rate taking effect the… Florida Constitution, Art. X, § 24; FloridaCommerce minimum wage announcement (Sept. 30, 2026)

Time limit to sue on a debt

5 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a written instrument. Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b)