Florida security deposit demand letter
This is the body of the letter, with your details in brackets. Sentences marked "Only if" appear only when your answers match. The letter is sent in your name.
I was a tenant at [rental address]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. My rental agreement terminated on [rental agreement end date], and I vacated the premises on [date you vacated].
Under section 83.49(3)(a), Florida Statutes, upon the vacating of the premises for termination of the rental agreement, a landlord who does not intend to impose a claim on the security deposit must return it, together with interest if otherwise required, within fifteen days after the termination of the rental agreement. A landlord who intends to impose a claim must, within thirty days after the termination of the rental agreement, give the tenant written notice of that intention and the reason for it, by certified mail to the tenant's last known mailing address or by email in accordance with section 83.505.
More than thirty days have passed since my rental agreement terminated. I have not received my deposit, and I have not received written notice of any claim on it by certified mail or by email.
Section 83.49(3)(a) provides that a landlord who fails to give the required notice within the thirty day period forfeits the right to impose a claim upon the security deposit and may not seek a setoff against the deposit, but may file an action for damages after returning the security deposit to the tenant.
Section 83.49(3)(c) provides that in a court action over the right to the security deposit, the prevailing party is entitled to receive court costs plus a reasonable fee for that party's attorney.
I am requesting the return of my security deposit.
Statute: Fla. Stat. § 83.49. Read the statute.
Last reviewed: October 2026