Florida Lease Termination Overview
Lease termination in Florida is governed by the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, codified at Fla. Stat. Chapter 83, Part II (sections 83.40-83.683). Florida is a landlord-friendly state with one of the shortest month-to-month termination notice periods in the country at just 15 days under Fla. Stat. 83.57. The state expressly preempts local rent control under Fla. Stat. 166.043 and does not require just cause for non-renewal of periodic tenancies.
Florida's security deposit statute (Fla. Stat. 83.49) is one of the most detailed in the nation, with a multi-step notice and objection process that landlords must follow precisely. The landlord must either hold the deposit in a separate non-interest-bearing account, an interest-bearing account (with interest paid to the tenant), or post a surety bond. When the tenancy ends, the timeline for returning the deposit depends on whether the landlord claims deductions: 15 days with no deductions, or 30 days to send a deduction notice by certified mail.
Florida provides early termination rights for victims of domestic violence under Fla. Stat. 83.682 and for military service members under the federal SCRA. The state also has specific provisions for hurricane and natural disaster situations that may affect lease termination rights, which is particularly relevant in Florida's hurricane-prone climate. Florida's eviction process is relatively fast, with the entire process from filing to judgment typically taking 2-4 weeks for uncontested cases.
15 Days
Notice (monthly)
15-30 Days
Deposit return
Banned
Rent control
No
Just cause required
Florida Notice Periods for Lease Termination
Florida's notice periods are among the shortest in the country for monthly tenancies.
| Tenancy Type | Notice Required | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Month-to-Month | 15 days before end of period | Fla. Stat. 83.57 |
| Quarter-to-Quarter | 30 days | Fla. Stat. 83.57 |
| Year-to-Year | 60 days | Fla. Stat. 83.57 |
| Week-to-Week | 7 days | Fla. Stat. 83.57 |
| Fixed-Term | Per lease terms | Contract law |
| Non-Payment of Rent | 3 days | Fla. Stat. 83.56(3) |
| Lease Violation | 7 days (curable) / 7 days (non-curable) | Fla. Stat. 83.56(2) |
Florida's Short 15-Day Notice Period
Florida's 15-day notice period for month-to-month tenancies is among the shortest in the nation (most states require 30 days). Both landlords and tenants should be aware that this shorter window means faster transitions. The notice must be given at least 15 days before the end of the current monthly period. If mailing the notice, add 5 days per Fla. Stat. 83.56(4).
Florida Legal Requirements for Termination
Florida has specific requirements for lease termination notices under Chapter 83, Part II.
Required Notice Contents
- Written form: Florida requires written notice for lease termination under Fla. Stat. 83.57
- Property identification: Full address and unit number of the rental property
- Termination date: At least 15 days before the end of the monthly rental period
- Delivery method: Mail, personal delivery, or posting at the unit per Fla. Stat. 83.56(4)
- Deposit notice: Address how the security deposit will be handled per Fla. Stat. 83.49
Domestic Violence Early Termination
Under Fla. Stat. 83.682, a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence may terminate with written notice and supporting documentation (injunction for protection, police report, or statement from a certified DV center). The tenant must give at least 30 days notice before the next rent payment is due and is responsible for rent through the termination date. The landlord may not penalize the tenant or report the termination negatively. Florida also extends this protection to victims of dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.
How to Terminate a Lease in Florida
Follow these steps for a legally effective Florida lease termination.
Calculate Your Notice Deadline
For month-to-month tenancies, provide at least 15 days notice before the end of the rental period. If mailing, add 5 days. For yearly tenancies, 60 days notice is required.
Draft the Written Termination Notice
Include property address, termination date, party names, and lease reference. For DV terminations, attach supporting documentation per Fla. Stat. 83.682.
Deliver Per Fla. Stat. 83.56(4)
Florida allows personal delivery, mailing to the tenant's last known address, or leaving the notice at the dwelling unit. Certified mail is recommended for documentation.
Handle the Security Deposit Process
Florida's deposit statute is complex. The landlord has 15 days to return the deposit with no deductions, or 30 days to send a certified mail notice of claimed deductions. The tenant then has 15 days to object to the deductions. Document everything carefully.
Security Deposit After Lease Termination in Florida
Florida's security deposit law (Fla. Stat. 83.49) is one of the most detailed in the country. If the landlord does not claim any deductions, the full deposit must be returned within 15 days. If the landlord intends to make deductions, they must send a written notice by certified mail within 30 days of the tenant vacating, describing the deductions and stating the amount being claimed. The tenant then has 15 days to dispute the deductions in writing.
Florida does not set a statutory maximum on security deposits, making it one of the few states without a deposit cap. However, the landlord must hold the deposit in a separate non-interest-bearing account, an interest-bearing account (paying interest to the tenant annually), or post a surety bond. The landlord must notify the tenant within 30 days of receiving the deposit of the method and location of deposit storage. If the landlord fails to follow the statutory deposit procedures, they forfeit their right to make deductions.
Sample Florida Lease Termination Letter
Below is a preview of a lease termination letter tailored for Florida.
LEASE TERMINATION LETTER
STATE OF FLORIDA
Pursuant to Fla. Stat. 83.57
FROM
Name: [Sender Full Name]
Role: [Landlord/Tenant]
Address: [Current Address]
Phone: [Contact]
TO
Name: [Recipient Full Name]
Role: [Landlord/Tenant]
Address: [Property/Mailing Address]
TERMINATION DETAILS
Property: [Rental Address & Unit]
Lease Date: [Original Lease Date]
Termination Date: [Last Day of Tenancy]
Reason: [Non-Renewal / End of Term / Early Termination]
MOVE-OUT INSTRUCTIONS
Key Return: [Location/Method]
Inspection: [Date/Time]
Forwarding Address: [For Deposit Return per Fla. Stat. 83.49]
Condition: [Move-Out Requirements]
Florida Lease Termination FAQ
Common questions about ending a lease in Florida.
Official Florida Resources
Use these resources to verify Florida landlord-tenant law and find legal assistance.
Related Florida Documents
You may need these documents alongside your Florida lease termination letter.
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