Miami Renters
Get Your Security Deposit Back in Miami
Your Miami landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit after you move out. Know your rights and hold them accountable.
30
Days to return
$2,800
Avg. rent
450K
Population
Miami Local Info
Florida requires deposits be returned within 15-30 days depending on whether deductions are made. Landlords must notify tenants of which bank holds their deposit. State law preempts local ordinances.
Local Ordinance
Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act — F.S. § 83.49
Landlord must notify tenant in writing within 30 days of receiving the deposit: where it is held and whether interest will be paid. If no deductions: return within 15 days. If deductions: send written notice by certified mail within 30 days listing intent to impose a claim.
Penalties: If landlord fails to give required 30-day notice of intent to claim against deposit, they forfeit the right to impose any claim. State law preempts all local landlord-tenant ordinances (F.S. § 83.491).
Read the full ordinance →Miami Deposit Rules
Interest Required
Yes
5% simple interest per year, or 75% of the annualized interest rate on the deposit account — whichever the landlord chooses
Return Deadline
30 days
Penalty
If landlord fails to give required 30-day notice of intent to claim against deposit, they forfeit the right to impose any claim. State law preempts all local landlord-tenant ordinances (F.S. § 83.491).
Get Your Deposit Back in Miami: Step by Step
Identify Which Deadline Applies
If no deductions: landlord must return full deposit within 15 days. If deductions: they must send certified mail notice within 30 days listing the claim.
Check for Required Notices
Your landlord must have notified you in writing within 30 days of receiving your deposit: where it is held and whether interest will be paid.
Object Within 15 Days if Needed
If you receive a notice of intent to claim deductions, you have 15 days to object in writing. If you don't object, the landlord may deduct.
Send a Demand Letter
Reference F.S. § 83.49. Note whether the landlord failed to provide required notices or missed deadlines. Send via certified mail.
File in Miami-Dade County Small Claims Court
File at 20 NW 1st Ave. Filing fees range from $55-$300. Claims up to $8,000.
Calculate Your Miami Deadline
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Local Small Claims Court
Court
Miami-Dade County Court — Small Claims Division
Address
20 NW 1st Ave, Room 137, Miami, FL 33128
Filing Fee
$55-$300
Claims Limit
$8,000
Florida Security Deposit Law
Return Deadline
30 days after move-out
Penalty for Late Return
Landlord forfeits the right to claim any deductions and may owe you additional damages
Miami Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my Miami landlord have to return my deposit?
If no deductions: 15 days. If deductions: they must send written notice of intent by certified mail within 30 days, then you have 15 days to object (F.S. § 83.49).
Does my Miami landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
Yes. Florida landlords must either pay 5% simple interest per year, or 75% of the annualized interest earned, or post a surety bond. They must notify you in writing within 30 days of receipt.
What happens if my landlord doesn't send the 30-day notice?
If the landlord fails to send written notice of intent to make deductions within 30 days by certified mail, they forfeit the right to impose any claim against your deposit.
Does Florida preempt local tenant ordinances?
Yes. F.S. § 83.491 preempts local governments from enacting landlord-tenant ordinances that conflict with state law, including security deposit rules.
Where do I file a small claims case in Miami?
File at Miami-Dade County Court, 20 NW 1st Ave, Room 137. Filing fees range from $55-$300. Claims up to $8,000.