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Security Deposits

Normal Wear and Tear in Florida Rentals: Drawing the Line

Normal Wear and Tear in Florida Rentals: Drawing the Line

Florida law never defines normal wear and tear — yet it decides every deposit dispute. Here's the working standard, item-by-item examples, and the proration math.

Advance Rent vs Security Deposit: The Florida Rule Most Landlords Miss

Advance Rent vs Security Deposit: The Florida Rule Most Landlords Miss

If you collect first, last and security, you're holding two kinds of regulated money — and the exemption most small Florida landlords rely on doesn't cover the part that matters.

How to Run a Rental Walkthrough That Holds Up in Court

How to Run a Rental Walkthrough That Holds Up in Court

Your move-out photos won't save you in a Florida deposit dispute — but a walkthrough built like courtroom evidence will. Here's how to document a rental so it holds up.

Move-Out Inspection Checklist for Florida Landlords

Move-Out Inspection Checklist for Florida Landlords

The move-out inspection decides what you can deduct from the deposit. Here is the room-by-room checklist and the 30-day Florida claim deadline you cannot miss.

Security Deposit Alternatives for Florida Landlords

Security Deposit Alternatives for Florida Landlords

Since July 2023, Florida landlords can offer tenants a fee in lieu of a security deposit under FL 83.491. Most landlords still don't know this option exists — and the ones who do aren't sure if it's worth the trade-off.

Tenant Damaged My Rental Property: Recovery Steps for Florida Landlords

Tenant Damaged My Rental Property: Recovery Steps for Florida Landlords

Walked into your rental and found serious damage? Here's how Florida landlords document, claim, and recover — from security deposit deductions to small claims court.

Silver house keys on a white table

Florida Security Deposit Law: What Landlords Get Wrong

Florida Statute 83.49 gives landlords 15 or 30 days to handle a deposit. Here is the timeline, what you can deduct, and the mistakes that trigger lawsuits.