FLORIDA SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN LETTER

Date: [[Letter Date]]

Landlord / Authorized Agent:
[[Landlord or Management Company Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], FL [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

Tenant(s):
[[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
[[Tenant Forwarding Address]]
[[City]], [[State]] [[ZIP Code]]

RE: Security Deposit Return, Lease for [[Property Address]]
Lease End / Move-Out Date: [[Move-Out Date]]
Security Deposit Amount: $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]]

Dear [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]:

This letter concerns the return of your security deposit held under the Residential Lease Agreement dated [[Lease Date]] for the premises located at [[Property Address]] (the "Premises").

Under Florida Statute §83.49, a landlord must return the security deposit within 15 days after the tenant vacates the Premises if the landlord does not intend to impose a claim on the deposit. Alternatively, the landlord must send the tenant written notice, by certified mail, of the landlord's intention to impose a claim on the deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates. Failure by the landlord to give timely notice forfeits the landlord's right to make any deductions. The tenant then has 15 days after receipt of the claim notice to object in writing.

1. Deposit Accounting Timeline

• Move-out / keys returned: [[Move-Out Date]]
• 15-day no-claim return deadline: [[15-Day Deadline Date]]
• 30-day claim notice deadline (if applicable): [[30-Day Claim Notice Deadline]]
• Tenant objection window (15 days from receipt of claim notice): [[Objection Deadline Date]]

2. Security Deposit Summary

A check in the amount of $[[Balance Due Amount]], payable to [[Tenant Full Name(s)]], is enclosed / has been sent to the forwarding address above. (If deductions exceed deposit, a statement of amounts owed is provided.)

3. Itemized Statement of Deductions

The following deductions are itemized as required. Only actual, documented costs for unpaid rent, repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, or cleaning necessary to return the Premises to its move-in condition (less ordinary wear and tear) are claimed. Normal wear and tear is not deductible.

Copies of receipts, invoices, or estimates for any deduction are attached. Per statute, itemized statement with supporting materials is provided.

4. Permissible Deductions and Limitations (Fla. Stat. §83.49)

Permissible deductions are limited to:

1. Unpaid rent or other charges due under the lease.

2. Cleaning necessary to restore the Premises to the condition at move-in, excluding ordinary wear and tear.

3. Repair of damage to the Premises caused by the tenant, occupants, or guests, beyond ordinary wear and tear.

Landlord may not deduct for:

• Ordinary wear and tear (e.g., minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet wear from normal use).

• Improvements or upgrades desired by Landlord.

• Costs that could have been avoided with reasonable mitigation.

If the landlord fails to provide timely notice of intent to claim, all rights to impose any claim are forfeited, and the full deposit (plus any interest if applicable) must be returned.

5. No-Claim Full Return (Alternative)

If no claim is imposed:

The full security deposit of $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]] is being returned without deduction within the 15-day period. No further accounting is required.

6. Tenant Right to Object

If you receive a claim notice, you have 15 days from the date you receive this notice to deliver written objection to the Landlord at the address above. Failure to object within 15 days may affect your rights to dispute the claim in court.

If you object in writing within the period, Landlord may not deduct the disputed amount without a court order or your subsequent written agreement.

7. Forwarding Address and Contact

Please confirm the address above is correct for mailing the deposit or any future correspondence. If your forwarding address changes, notify Landlord in writing immediately.

8. Enclosed Documents

• Copy of this letter

• Itemized deduction statement and supporting receipts/invoices/estimates

• Security deposit check (if balance due to you)

• Move-out inspection report / photos (if taken)

9. Pre-Move-Out Inspection and Condition Documentation

Landlord offered or performed a pre-move-out inspection on [[Pre-Move-Out Inspection Date]] at [[Inspection Time]].

• Tenant [[was / was not]] present.

• Tenant [[provided / did not provide]] a written list of claimed conditions.

• Walk-through photos and notes are attached as Exhibit A.

Any deductions for cleaning or repairs are based on the documented condition at move-in versus move-out, excluding ordinary wear and tear.

10. Detailed Deduction Rationale and Examples

1. Unpaid rent or other sums due under the lease are calculated from the ledger and lease terms. Late fees are not included in this deposit claim unless separately permitted and disclosed.

2. Cleaning deductions are limited to the cost reasonably necessary to return surfaces, appliances, fixtures, and flooring to a clean, sanitary, move-in ready state. Examples of ordinary wear and tear not charged: light dust, minor appliance wear, carpet traffic patterns in main walkways.

3. Repair deductions are supported by actual invoices or written estimates from licensed contractors or suppliers. Landlord has mitigated costs where possible (e.g., patch rather than full repaint).

4. No administrative or overhead fees beyond actual documented costs are claimed.

11. Interest and Holding of Deposit

Per Florida law and the lease:

• The deposit was held in a separate account (non-interest or interest-bearing) or secured by surety bond as previously disclosed to Tenant within 30 days of receipt.

• Any interest earned, if the deposit was required to be held in an interest-bearing account, is included in the balance or accounted for separately if applicable.

• No commingling with Landlord's personal funds occurred.

12. Tenant Remedies if Deposit Not Timely Returned or Notice Defective

If Landlord failed to return the deposit or send proper notice within the statutory deadlines, Tenant may be entitled to:

• Return of the full deposit.

• Damages up to three times the deposit amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees and costs, as provided under Fla. Stat. §83.49(3).

• Any other remedies available at law or in equity.

Tenant should retain copies of all correspondence, the lease, move-in/move-out checklists, and photos.

13. Record Retention and Next Steps

Landlord will retain copies of this letter, supporting documentation, proof of mailing or delivery, and the canceled check for at least [[Record Retention Period, e.g. 4 years]].

If you have any questions regarding this accounting or the attached documents, respond in writing within the objection period or contact the Landlord at the information above.

14. Closing and Certification

The information in this letter is true and accurate to the best of Landlord's knowledge based on the lease terms, payment records, and documented condition of the Premises.

Thank you for your tenancy. If you have questions, contact [[Landlord Contact Phone / Email]].

Sincerely,

[[Landlord or Authorized Agent Full Name]]
Landlord / Property Manager
Date: [[Letter Date]], -

Proof of Service Note: This letter is being sent by [[certified mail, return receipt requested / hand delivery with signed receipt / other method permitted by lease or law]] on [[Service Date]]. A copy of the mailing receipt or acknowledgment will be retained., -

*Sample template for Florida, not legal advice. Statutory provisions (Fla. Stat. §83.49) cited are current as of 2026-06. Landlord must return deposit within 15 days (no claim) or send certified claim notice within 30 days; tenant has 15 days to object. Failure to provide timely notice forfeits all deduction rights. Verify against current Florida statutes and lease terms before use.*