Security Deposit

The Florida Residential Landlord-tenant Act requires that the landlord follow specific procedure if they wish to claim any of the security deposit for damages they feel are the responsibility of the tenant.  Florida Statute section 83.49 is the statute that applies.  The statute has specific language and procedure including sending the notice by certified mail to the tenant's last known mailing address.  If you intend to move out, be sure to provide a forwarding address no less than seven days before you move.

Landlords are often trying to save money and choose to unfairly hold on to the tenant's security deposit.  They also fail to follow the proper statutory procedure for claiming the security deposit if there are damages to the property.  Generally, if the tenant is successful in recovering the security deposit the landlord will have to pay the tenant's attorneys' fees.