Florida security deposit law
Can I get more than my deposit back in Florida?
The short answer
Yes, in the right case: a Florida landlord who misses the deadline can forfeit the entire deposit under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, and courts add costs.
Florida law creates real consequences for missed deadlines: under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, a landlord who fails to follow the return and itemization rules can forfeit the right to keep any portion of the deposit, meaning you may recover 100 percent even where some deduction might otherwise have been lawful.
What this means practically: the money at stake is often larger than the deposit, and a landlord facing forfeiture or costs has a real incentive to settle a documented claim. Attorney's fees can also be recoverable, which changes the landlord's calculation further.
How tenants actually unlock these remedies: not by mentioning them on the phone, but in a formal demand letter that cites Fla. Stat. § 83.49, the missed deadline, and the specific exposure. That letter is usually the moment the landlord's cost-benefit flips.
If it still goes unanswered, County Court is where these damages get awarded, and the demand letter is the exhibit that proves you gave fair notice.
The Florida rules at a glance. Governing statute: Fla. Stat. § 83.49. Return deadline: 15 days (30 days with deductions claimed). Missed procedure can forfeit the landlord's entire claim to the deposit. Attorney's fees: recoverable in qualifying cases. Court for disputes: County Court, claims up to $8,000.
See what your landlord owes you under Florida law.
Answer a few questions about your situation and get a Florida-specific demand letter that applies these rules to your case, ready in about ten minutes.