Security deposit itemization
What is a Florida notice of intention to impose a claim on a security deposit?
Updated · By the Landlord Notice Mail team
It is the written notice a Florida landlord must send within 30 days after the lease ends to keep any part of the deposit: sent by certified mail to the tenant's last known mailing address (or by e-mail under s. 83.505), in substantially the statute's wording, stating the amount and reason. The tenant then has 15 days after receiving it to object in writing; if they don't, you deduct the claim and return the balance within 30 days of the notice.
If you intend to return the whole deposit, Florida gives you 15 days to do it. Miss the 30-day certified-mail notice and you forfeit the right to impose a claim on the deposit.
| Step | Deadline | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Return the full deposit | 15 days after the lease ends | No notice of claim needed |
| Send notice of intention to impose a claim | 30 days after the lease ends | Certified mail to last known mailing address, or e-mail under 83.505 |
| Tenant objects | 15 days after receiving the notice | In writing, to the address in your notice |
| Return the balance | 30 days after the date of the notice | If the tenant doesn't object |
The statutory wording
The notice must be substantially in the statute's form. It begins "This is a notice of my intention to impose a claim for damages in the amount of ___ upon your security deposit, due to ___," cites s. 83.49(3), Florida Statutes, tells the tenant they must object in writing within 15 days of receiving it, and gives the landlord's address for objections. Our Florida notice of claim template follows that structure; compare it to the statute before sending.
Why certified mail matters here
Florida is one of the few states that names certified mail for a deposit notice. The USPS receipt proves you mailed within 30 days, and the return receipt shows when the tenant received it, which starts their 15-day objection window.
Quick answers
Can I send the Florida notice of claim by regular mail?
The statute calls for certified mail to the last known mailing address, or e-mail under s. 83.505. Use certified mail.
What if the tenant didn't leave a forwarding address?
Send it to the last known mailing address, which may be the rental unit, by certified mail, and keep the returned envelope.
What happens if I miss the 30 days?
You forfeit the right to impose a claim on the deposit, though you may still sue for damages separately.
What to do next
Fill in the Florida notice of claim and we mail it by USPS Certified Mail with return receipt for $17.99, with tracking and a proof-of-mailing PDF.
Send the Florida notice of claimSources
- Florida Statutes 83.49 (deposit money or advance rent)
- Florida Statutes 83.505 (e-mail notices)
- USPS: Insurance & Extra Services
Checked: . General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: confirm current values at the official links above.