How to Write a Security Deposit Demand Letter in Florida
Use the free tool — Deposit Letter
What Florida Law Says About Your Deposit
When you move out, your landlord has a clock running. Florida law gives the landlord 15 days to return your full deposit if there is no dispute. If the landlord wants to keep some or all of it, the landlord has 30 days to send you a written claim, and that claim must go out by certified mail.
Why Certified Mail Matters
Certified mail creates a paper trail. It proves when the landlord mailed the claim and gives you a record of the date. If a landlord's claim did not come by certified mail, that matters for your situation.
- Check the date you moved out.
- Check whether 15 days or 30 days have passed since then.
- Check whether you received anything in writing, and how it was sent.
If the Landlord Missed the Deadline
If more than 15 days have passed with no deposit and no written claim, or more than 30 days have passed with no written claim sent by certified mail, you may be in a position to demand your deposit back in writing.
What a Demand Letter Should Include
A demand letter is a written record that you asked for your money. It should be clear about the facts you know:
- The date you moved out.
- The amount of the deposit.
- The date(s) the deadlines above passed.
- A clear request for return of the deposit.
What We Don't Know — and Why You Should Confirm
Every lease and every situation is different. The exact statute, any local rules, and how a court or mediator might view your specific facts are not covered here. This page is not legal advice. Confirm your situation and any deadlines with a professional or with the appropriate Florida agency before you rely on anything here.
What to Do Next
Our free tool reads your own move-out date, deposit amount, and any letters you received, and helps you see where you stand on the 15-day and 30-day timelines. It can also help generate a letter based on your own numbers. It does not replace legal advice — always confirm your situation with a professional or the appropriate agency.