What can a landlord legally deduct from a security deposit in Florida?
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What this page covers
You are asking what a landlord can take out of your security deposit in Florida. This page explains what we actually know from the material we have, and what you still need to check yourself before you sign a lease or move out.
What Florida law says, in general
Florida Statutes Chapter 83 is the law that covers security deposits, a landlord's right to enter, repairs, and how a lease ends. Beyond naming this chapter, our material does not include the exact list of what can or cannot be deducted from a deposit.
- Chapter 83 is the statute that applies to deposits in Florida.
- The precise deduction rules, notice deadlines, and any dollar limits are not included in the material used to write this guide.
What is still unknown
We do not have, in our material, a specific list of allowed or disallowed deductions, exact notice deadlines, or dollar figures. Do not assume a number or deadline that you have not confirmed yourself.
- We cannot tell you a specific number of days a landlord has to return a deposit.
- We cannot tell you a specific dollar amount that must, or must not, be withheld.
Questions to ask before you sign or move out
- What does my own lease say about the deposit, cleaning, and damage?
- Does my landlord's notice about the deposit match what Chapter 83 requires?
- Have I asked a licensed Florida attorney or a local housing agency to confirm the current deadlines and dollar rules?
Important cautions
This is not legal advice. Florida Statutes Chapter 83 can change, and how it applies depends on your specific lease and situation. Always confirm current rules with a licensed attorney or the appropriate Florida agency before you act.
What to do next
Lease Decoder is a free tool that reads your own lease document. Paste your lease in, and it will show you the clauses in your document that relate to deposits, entry, repairs, and ending the lease, compared against Florida Statutes Chapter 83, so you know what questions to ask before you sign.