If the repair is yours to pay
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Repair-request & landlord/tenant forms (LawDepot)Templates for a notice to repair, security-deposit demand, and more.
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Default rule and exceptions
Florida landlords who don't intend to claim against the deposit must return it within 15 days of lease termination; if they do intend to claim damages, they must send written notice within 30 days, and the tenant then has 15 days to object before the landlord can deduct (Fla. Stat. §83.49(3)).
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Landlord | Return the deposit within 15 days if no claim is intended, or send written notice of a claim within 30 days of termination. |
| Tenant | Has 15 days after receiving the claim notice to object in writing before the landlord may deduct the claimed amount. |
| Exceptions | Florida's statute does not use the phrase 'wear and tear', it limits deductions to a disputable claim for actual damages/unpaid rent rather than a blanket wear-vs-damage standard. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 16, 2026.
if the landlord does not intend to impose a claim on the security deposit, the landlord must return the security deposit, together with interest if otherwise required, within 15 days after the termination of the rental agreement. If the landlord intends to impose a claim on the deposit, the landlord must, within 30 days after the termination of the rental agreement, provide the tenant written notice.
your security deposit within 15 days after the time you receive this notice or I will be authorized to deduct my claim from your security deposit.
City rules rest on state law. Read Florida's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for security deposit: damage vs wear in Statewide, FL?
Responsibility is shared. Return the deposit within 15 days if no claim is intended, or send written notice of a claim within 30 days of termination.
Are there exceptions in Statewide, FL?
Florida's statute does not use the phrase 'wear and tear', it limits deductions to a disputable claim for actual damages/unpaid rent rather than a blanket wear-vs-damage standard.
What is this based on for Statewide, FL?
This verdict is sourced to Florida Statutes §83.49(3)(a) (15-day no-claim return / 30-day claim notice) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Florida Statutes §83.49(3)(a) (15-day no-claim return / 30-day claim notice)statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
- Florida Statutes §83.49(3)(a)-(b) (tenant's right to object within 15 days)statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
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