How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?

15 days after the rental agreement ends to return the deposit if no claim is made, or 30 days to send written notice of a claim (Fla. Stat. § 83.49).

What the statute says

The Florida letter restates the statute this way:

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.

Statute: Fla. Stat. § 83.49. Read the statute.

Last reviewed: October 2026