Florida Security Deposit Law
Florida rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. Fla. Stat. § 83.49
The rules in Florida
| Security deposit limit | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. Landlords may offer a fee in lieu of a security deposit (optional for tenant) for leases entered or renewed on or after July 1, 2023 (§ 83.491, ch. 2023-181). Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49 |
|---|---|
| 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. E-mail notice option added by ch. 2025-16. 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) |
| Interest on deposits | Not required if held in a separate non-interest-bearing Florida account. If held in an interest-bearing account, tenant gets at least 75% of the annualized average interest or 5% simple interest (landlord's choice); if the landlord posts a surety bond instead, tenant gets 5% simple interest. Landlord must disclose how the deposit is held in the lease or within 30 days of receipt (landlords with fewer than 5 units exempt) (§ 83.49(2)). Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(1) |
| 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. Prevailing-party attorney's fees provision in § 83.49(3)(c) not separately quoted. Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a) |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
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Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
Florida vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. Fla. Stat. § 83.49 | 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. Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)-(b) | 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. Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)-(b) |
| Alabama | One month's periodic rent. Additional deposits are allowed only for pets, changes to the premises, or increased liability risks to the landlord or premises. Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(a) | Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant gives up possession. The landlord mails the refund and/or itemized accounting by first-class mail to the forwarding address the tenant gave in writing, or to the last known address or the rental address if none was given. Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(b)-(e) | If the landlord does not refund the whole deposit, the landlord must give the tenant an itemized list of the amounts withheld within the 60-day period. Deductions are limited to accrued rent and damages from the tenant's failure to meet the duties in § 35-9A-301. Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(b)-(c) |
| Georgia | 2 months' rent. No landlord may demand or receive a security deposit that exceeds the equivalent of two months' rent. O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1 (added by HB 404, 2024 Safe at Home Act, Act 392) | Within 30 days after the landlord obtains possession of the unit. The landlord complies by mailing the statement and any refund by first-class mail to the tenant's last known address. If the mailed refund is returned undeliverable and the tenant cannot be located after reasonable effort, it becomes the landlord's property 90 days after mailing. O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a) | If any amount is kept, the landlord must give a written statement of the specific reasons within 30 days, with the itemized damage list if damage is claimed, and the balance due. No deduction for normal wear and tear. Landlords with more than 10 units or a fee-paid management agent must also give a move-in damage list and do a move-out inspection within 3 business days, giving the tenant a signed damage list; the tenant may inspect within 5 business days and sign or note disagreements. O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-33, 44-7-34 |
City rules that may add to state law
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Florida Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Florida?
No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. (Fla. Stat. § 83.49)
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?
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. (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)-(b))
Does a landlord in Florida have to give an itemized list of deposit 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. (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)-(b))
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Florida?
Not required if held in a separate non-interest-bearing Florida account. If held in an interest-bearing account, tenant gets at least 75% of the annualized average interest or 5% simple interest (landlord's choice); if the landlord posts a surety bond instead, tenant gets 5% simple interest. (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(1))
What happens if a landlord in Florida wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
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. (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a))
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.