Security Deposit Cleaning Florida: Get Your Deposit Back

Security deposit cleaning in Florida means leaving your rental clean enough that dirt is not a reason for the landlord to claim part of your deposit. Florida's landlord and tenant law sets the deadlines and the notice rules, and your landlord makes the first call on any claim. Here is how the rules work and how to prepare.

We are Kay's Cleaning Services, a Tampa Bay team that handles move out cleaning for tenants across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties. This guide to security deposit cleaning in Florida is written for tenants. It is general information, not legal advice, so check your lease and ask a Florida attorney about your own situation. If you own the rental, read our landlord move out cleaning checklist instead.

What Does Security Deposit Cleaning in Florida Actually Involve?

Security deposit cleaning is the cleaning you complete, or hire out, when you leave a rental so the unit comes back in the condition your lease expects. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) says tenants must keep the dwelling clean and sanitary and, when moving, leave the premises in a clean condition. The Florida Bar adds that a tenant must maintain the dwelling without damage other than ordinary wear and tear. Your lease may list extra duties, such as carpets, so read it before you start. Our move out cleaning guide for Tampa Bay explains the full service for tenants, owners and buyers.

What Does Florida Security Deposit Law Say About Returning Your Deposit?

Florida security deposit law sets two deadlines, both counted from the end of the rental agreement. Under section 83.49(3)(a) of the 2026 Florida Statutes, a landlord who will not claim any of the deposit must return it within 15 days. A landlord who plans to keep part of it must send you written notice within 30 days, by certified mail to your last known mailing address or by email under section 83.505. That notice must state the reason for the claim. If the landlord misses the 30 day window, the statute says the landlord forfeits the right to claim against the deposit, although a lawsuit for damages is still possible after the deposit is returned.

How Do You Respond to a Security Deposit Deduction Notice?

Respond in writing within 15 days after you receive the landlord's notice. Section 83.49(3)(b) says that if you do not object to the claim or its amount within that period, the landlord may deduct the claim and must send you the balance within 30 days after the date of the notice. Missing the deadline does not waive your right to seek damages in a separate action. Keep your forwarding address current, because The Florida Bar warns that a tenant who gives no address before moving out may lose the right to object. If you do object, the FDACS says you may file a complaint with the department or go to court, where the prevailing party can recover costs and a reasonable attorney fee under section 83.49(3)(c).

What Counts as Normal Wear and Tear in Florida, and What Counts as Dirt?

Normal wear and tear is gradual aging from ordinary use, while dirt, grease, residue and trash left behind are cleaning issues. Section 83.49 does not define the term, so the lease and the facts matter. Because the line can be disputed, dated photos carry more weight than memory. For the inspection side, see what landlords look for during move out cleaning inspections.

• Usually aging from ordinary use: faded paint, lightly worn carpet and pin holes from picture frames.
• Usually cleaning issues: a greasy oven, a stained tub, soap scum, crumbs in cabinets and garbage left in the unit.
• Usually a judgment call: stains, odors and marks that look like more than ordinary use, which is where a landlord's claim and your photos meet.

How Do You Document Your Rental Before You Hand Back the Keys?

Document the unit with dated photos and video after cleaning, and keep copies of everything you send. The FDACS advises date stamped pictures to help avoid disputes, a last walk through with the landlord when it can be arranged, and correspondence sent by mail, email or hand delivery with a copy kept for you. Use this order:

• Compare each room with your move in notes or photos.
• Ask the landlord for a final walk through and write down what is said.
• Photograph and film every room, plus inside the oven, refrigerator, cabinets and tub.
• Keep cleaning receipts and any photos from a professional crew.
• Send your forwarding address in writing.

Section 83.49(5) also asks tenants who leave before the term ends, or who end a month to month tenancy, for at least 7 days' written notice by certified mail or personal delivery that includes an address where you can be reached.

What Does Move Out Cleaning for a Security Deposit Include?

A professional move out clean is a top to bottom clean of an empty home, and security deposit cleaning in Florida rentals follows the areas a landlord inspects. At Kay's, every visit follows our 40 point checklist with supplies included, and a move out clean covers:

• Inside all kitchen cabinets and drawers, plus the oven and refrigerator.
• A full bathroom scrub, including grout and fixtures.
• Baseboards, door frames, ceiling fans and light fixtures.
• Interior windows and window tracks.
• Floors throughout, including under and behind large appliances.

We photograph the finished space, so you have a record of the condition we left. Our crews are insured, bonded and background checked. Details are on our move in and move out cleaning service page.

When Should You Book Security Deposit Cleaning in Florida?

Book security deposit cleaning in Florida after your belongings are out and before the final walk through, with a buffer for fixes. An empty unit lets the crew reach cabinets, closets and appliance fronts that furniture blocks. Check your lease for a cleaning clause and your move out date, then request a quote as soon as you know both. We typically reply within the hour during business hours and confirm the scope before you book. Our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee includes a free re-clean within 24 hours if something is missed. No cleaning company can promise a refund, because the landlord decides any claim. For local examples, see our Tampa Bay move in and move out guide and Winter Haven move out checklist.

Security Deposit Cleaning in Florida FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?

Under section 83.49(3)(a), a landlord who makes no claim must return the deposit within 15 days after the rental agreement ends. A landlord who intends to claim part of it must send written notice within 30 days. Some regulated housing programs are treated differently, so confirm how the statute applies to your tenancy.

Can a landlord charge for normal wear and tear?

The Florida Bar says a rental should come back without damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Section 83.49 does not define the term, so disputes turn on the lease and the facts. Dated photos of every room show the condition you left and help you answer a claim with evidence.

Does professional move out cleaning guarantee a full deposit refund?

No. The landlord decides whether to make a claim, and the statute governs the notice and the deadlines. A professional clean removes cleanliness as a common reason for a claim and gives you photos of the condition you left, but it cannot promise a result. Nothing here is legal advice.

What if my landlord misses the 30 day notice deadline?

The statute says a landlord who misses the written notice deadline forfeits the right to claim against the deposit, and the deposit must be returned, although a lawsuit for damages can still follow. Keep your photos and your forwarding address record, and consider speaking with a Florida attorney or the FDACS.

Ready to Schedule Your Security Deposit Cleaning in Florida?

We can walk you through the scope of security deposit cleaning in Florida for your unit, confirm timing around your final walk through and send a free quote. Call (813) 725-1831 or Schedule Your Move-Out Cleaning online. Kay's Cleaning Services serves Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Lakeland, Orlando, Winter Haven, Bradenton and West Palm Beach, backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Checked against the 2026 Florida Statutes (section 83.49), the FDACS landlord and tenant guide and The Florida Bar consumer pamphlet in October 2026.