Answers / Renting out
What should a Florida landlord know about deposits and notices?
Direct answer
Under Florida Statutes §83.49, a landlord in Florida returns a security deposit within 15 days after the tenancy ends if there is no claim, or sends written notice of a claim within 30 days. Missing the 30-day notice forfeits the right to claim against the deposit. Nonpayment, noncompliance and month-to-month notices have separate deadlines.
Florida Statutes Chapter 83, Part II, §§83.49, 83.53, 83.56, 83.57 and 83.425, checked October 29, 2026. Method
What are the numbers behind it?
| Situation in Florida | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Written notice of how the deposit is held | In the lease, or within 30 days after receipt (landlords of fewer than 5 units excluded) | §83.49(2) |
| Deposit returned, no claim | Within 15 days after the tenancy ends | §83.49(3)(a) |
| Deposit claim notice | Written notice within 30 days; tenant has 15 days to object | §83.49(3)(b) |
| Nonpayment of rent | 3-day notice, excluding Saturday, Sunday and court-observed legal holidays | §83.56(3) |
| Curable noncompliance | 7-day notice to remedy; the lease terminates if not remedied | §83.56(2) |
| Noncurable noncompliance | 7 days to vacate | §83.56(2) |
| Month-to-month tenancy ending | At least 30 days' notice before the end of a monthly period | §83.57 |
Source: SEFMLS / MIAMI REALTORS®, September 27, 2022 through September 28, 2026. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Totals and medians only, no client names or addresses. Properties counted were listed or sold by various MLS participants, not necessarily by Gatien Salaun or Coldwell Banker Realty.
In more detail
When can a Florida landlord enter?
Under §83.53, a tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent to entry, including to show the unit to prospective purchasers. The statute defines reasonable notice for repair entry as at least 24 hours, between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and allows entry at any time to protect the premises. The text read does not fix 24 hours for showings.
Do local rules change these deadlines?
Under §83.425, Florida preempts the regulation of residential tenancies and the matters in Chapter 83, Part II to the state, superseding local rules on screening, security deposits, application fees, lease terms, disclosures and notice. A real estate attorney confirms how this applies to one lease.
How was this counted?
Counted from the same MLS data as every figure on this site, for the stated window and boundary. Medians are withheld below 5 closings.
Canonical facts: Boundary