Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Florida

Florida: return the deposit within 15 calendar days of the end of the tenancy. 30 calendar days after the day you sent the notice of intent to impose a claim if with deductions (With a claim, the balance is due within 30 days after the date of your notice of intention to impose a claim (83.49(3)(b)); the notice itself is due within 30 days after termination). Interest: conditional. Penalty if the refund or statement is late: forfeiture of the right to withhold. (Fla. Stat. 83.49)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 15 calendar days after the end of the tenancy.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: Conditional, 5%.
Penalty: forfeiture of the right to withhold if the refund or statement is late.
Deposit cap: none in the statute.

The rule text

Upon the vacating of the premises for termination of the rental agreement, if the landlord does not intend to impose a claim on the security deposit, the landlord must return the security deposit ... within 15 days after the termination of the rental agreement. If the landlord intends to impose a claim on the deposit, the landlord must, within 30 days after the termination ...

Fla. Stat. 83.49(3)(a). Source: Florida Statutes 83.49 Deposit money or advance rent, read 2026-10-09.

Notes on this rule (2)

A tenant who leaves without 7 days' written notice with an address relieves the landlord of the (3)(a) notice duty but keeps the right to the deposit (83.49(5)).
83.49(2) disclosure (where held, interest) within 30 days of receipt applies only to landlords with five or more units.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: Not started
Runs from the day you sent the notice of intent to impose a claim.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: Fla. Stat. 83.49 (Florida)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Interest credited                                 see note
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   Not started: see the deadline note.

Notes:
- Itemized under Fla. Stat. 83.49.

Settle a deposit in Florida

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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