The law in plain English
Return deadline
Under Fla. Stat. Sections 83.43(14), 83.49, 83.491, the deposit response usually has to be sent within 30 days of the move-out timeline described by the state rule.
Required notice
Florida generally requires a written claim notice within 30 days by certified mail if the landlord intends to impose deductions on the deposit.
This dispute type
Once the Florida deadline passes, the dispute stops being only about the deductions and becomes a deadline-compliance problem too. A landlord may still argue damage existed, but Fla. Stat. §§ 83.43(14), 83.49, 83.491 sets the clock for returning the balance and explaining any amount withheld.
Penalty leverage
If the withholding was wrongful or in bad faith, the exposure allowed under the statute is: Landlord forfeits the right to claim any deductions