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
An itemized statement is how renters learn what the landlord says was damaged, what each deduction was for, and whether the withholding was timely. In Florida, failure to provide that breakdown can strengthen a renter's challenge even before the underlying repair issue is resolved.
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