Florida Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Florida security deposit demand letter that follows Florida law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Florida law says
| Deposit return 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 § 83.505); tenant then has 15 days to object, and the balance is due within 30 days of the notice. Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)-(b) |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions | Written notice of intention to impose a claim, stating the amount and reason, sent within 30 days of termination in the statutory form; tenant has 15 days after receipt to object in writing. Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)-(b) |
| Penalty for withholding | If the landlord fails to send the 30-day notice, the landlord forfeits the right to impose a claim on the deposit (may still sue separately for damages after returning it). No statutory double/treble penalty. Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a) |
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | Not defined by statute. Florida's deposit law sets the claim-notice procedure (30-day notice of intent to claim, 15 days for the tenant to object) but does not define normal wear and tear or list allowed deductions for cleaning, painting, or carpet. Deductions must be for damage or other amounts owed under the lease; disputes are decided by a court. Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3) |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)-(b), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.