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
Painting deductions are usually weakest when the landlord is refreshing the unit for the next tenant, covering faded walls, or addressing minor marks from normal occupancy. In Florida, the refund deadline and deduction notice rules still apply even if the landlord claims the walls needed work.
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