Demand letters in Florida.
In Florida, landlords must return a deposit within 15 days to refund in full, or 30 days to send written notice of intended deductions by certified mail, and the Small Claims Court (County Court) hears claims up to $8,000 (excluding costs, interest, and attorney’s fees). Here's the law you need — and a generator that cites it for you.
Florida demand letter facts at a glance
15 days to refund in full, or 30 days to send written notice of intended deductions by certified mail
$8,000 (excluding costs, interest, and attorney’s fees)
$55–$300 (tiered by claim amount)
5 years
2 years
Set quarterly by the state CFO (recently around 9–11% per year, post-judgment).
Security deposit demand letters in Florida
If your former landlord is holding your deposit, Florida law is on your side. A landlord must return your security deposit within 15 days to refund in full, or 30 days to send written notice of intended deductions by certified mail, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Missing the 30-day notice forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit; tenants who prevail recover attorney’s fees.
Governing statute: Fla. Stat. § 83.49 · read it
Statutes of limitation in Florida
A demand letter doesn't pause the clock — you must file suit within these windows:
| Written contracts | 5 years |
| Oral contracts | 4 years |
| Personal injury | 2 years |
| Property damage | 4 years |
Small claims court in Florida
If your demand letter is ignored, Florida's Small Claims Court (County Court) is usually the next step. It hears claims up to $8,000 (excluding costs, interest, and attorney’s fees), with filing fees around $55–$300 (tiered by claim amount). You typically don't need a lawyer, and mentioning that you're prepared to file gives your letter real weight.
Florida courts self-helpGood to know in Florida
Florida’s deadlines are a two-track system: refund the full deposit within 15 days, or, to keep any part, send certified-mail notice of the claim within 30 days. Miss that notice and the landlord forfeits the right to deduct anything, and a prevailing tenant recovers attorney’s fees — powerful leverage for a demand letter. Note Florida’s personal-injury limitations period was shortened to two years in 2023. Small claims in the County Court covers up to $8,000 (exclusive of fees and interest).
Common demand letters in Florida
Each generator automatically applies Florida law where it matters.
Security Deposit Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding the return of your security deposit, citing your move-out date and your state’s legal deadline.
Create this letterUnpaid Invoice Demand Letter
A firm final notice that tells a non-paying client exactly what they owe, by when, and what happens if they ignore it.
Create this letterContractor Dispute Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding a contractor finish the work, fix defective work, or refund your money under your agreement.
Create this letterDebt Collection Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding repayment of money you are owed on a personal loan, IOU, or other unpaid debt.
Create this letterProperty Damage Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding payment from whoever damaged your property, backed by repair estimates and photos.
Create this letterUnpaid Wages Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding an employer pay wages, overtime, or a final paycheck you earned and are owed.
Create this letterFlorida demand letter FAQ
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?
What is the small claims court limit in Florida?
How long do I have to sue in Florida?
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing in Florida?
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