Florida Security Deposit Demand Letter (Fla. Stat. § 83.49)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under Florida Statutes § 83.49(3), a landlord must return the deposit within 15 days after the rental agreement ends or, within 30 days, send written notice by certified mail or agreed email of any claim against it. A landlord who does not send that notice in time forfeits the right to impose a claim on the deposit. That 30-day period has now passed.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the full deposit, plus court costs and reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Florida
Florida uses a two-track system. If the landlord isn't claiming any deductions, the deposit must be returned within 15 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant moves out. If the landlord wants to keep any part, it must send written notice of its claim, and the reason for it, by certified mail or by agreed email within 30 days.
A landlord who doesn't send that notice within 30 days forfeits the right to make a claim against the deposit, though it can still sue separately for damages after returning the deposit. Once you receive a notice, you have 15 days to object in writing; otherwise the landlord may deduct the amount claimed and must send you the rest within 30 days of the notice.
Florida landlords must also hold deposits in a separate account at a Florida financial institution or post a surety bond, and landlords with five or more units must tell tenants in writing where the money is held within 30 days of receiving it. The side that wins a deposit case in court is entitled to court costs plus reasonable legal fees.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Florida's own deadline under Fla. Stat. § 83.49 is 15 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Florida limit: $8,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Florida, the rules are set out in Florida Statutes § 83.49. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award the full deposit, plus court costs and reasonable legal fees.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Florida the limit is $8,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Florida security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under Florida Statutes § 83.49(3), a landlord must return the deposit within 15 days after the rental agreement ends or, within 30 days, send written notice by certified mail or agreed email of any claim against it. A landlord who does not send that notice in time forfeits the right to impose a claim on the deposit. That 30-day period has now passed.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the full deposit, plus court costs and reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Florida landlord have to return a deposit?
15 days if the landlord isn't claiming deductions. If it is, it has 30 days after the rental agreement ends to send written notice of the claim by certified mail, or by email if you agreed to email notices.
What if my Florida landlord never sent a notice of claim?
A landlord that misses the 30-day notice deadline loses the right to impose a claim on the deposit, so you can ask for the full amount.
How do I dispute a Florida landlord's deduction notice?
Object in writing within 15 days of receiving the notice. If you don't, the landlord may deduct the amount claimed and send you the rest.
What's the small claims limit in Florida?
Small claims cases in Florida county court can be up to $8,000, not counting court costs, interest and legal fees.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.