FL · Security Deposit Law

Florida Security Deposit Law

Florida has no deposit cap. Landlords may hold deposits in a non-interest-bearing account, an interest-bearing account, or post a surety bond — and must disclose which. Refund and claim-notice deadlines are distinct; check the full statute.

Last verified: 2026-10-10

Max deposit
—
no statutory cap
Return deadline
See notes
Interest required
Yes
paid to tenant
Separate account
Required
Maximum Security Deposit
No statutory maximum
No numeric cap established in §83.49.
Return Deadline
See notes
Full subsection (3) must be reviewed; no-claim refund deadline and claim-notice deadline are distinct.
Interest on Deposit
Required
Conditional: interest-bearing option pays at least 75% of annualized average account rate or 5% simple interest; noninterest-bearing option also exists.
Separate Account Required
Required
Separate Florida account is a statutory option; surety-bond alternative means account is not mandatory in every case. Disclose holding method to tenant.

⚖️ Permitted Deductions

Full permitted deductions not established from retrieved statutory portions.

📋 Official Source

The information on this page is sourced from the primary Florida statute. Always verify against the current official text before making decisions.

↗ View official statute

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Florida?
Florida does not set a statutory maximum for security deposits. Landlords and tenants may agree to any amount in the lease. No numeric cap established in §83.49.
Does Florida require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
Yes. Florida requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Conditional: interest-bearing option pays at least 75% of annualized average account rate or 5% simple interest; noninterest-bearing option also exists.
Must Florida landlords keep security deposits in a separate bank account?
Yes. Florida requires landlords to hold security deposits in a separate account. Separate Florida account is a statutory option; surety-bond alternative means account is not mandatory in every case. Disclose holding method to tenant.

Automate security deposit compliance

Property management software handles deposit tracking, deadline reminders, itemized deduction statements, and compliant separate account requirements automatically — so you never miss a Florida deadline.

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This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Security deposit laws change — always verify the current statute or consult a licensed attorney in Florida before making decisions. Official source: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0083/Sections/0083.49.html. Last reviewed: 2026-10-10.