Can My Landlord Deduct Cleaning Fees from My Deposit in Florida?
Researched by the DepositHawk Research Team · Last updated: 2026-09-20 · Verified 2026-09-20
Yes — Cleaning Fees is a permissible deduction in Florida when properly documented.
Deadline check
Where are you with your deposit?
Even when the cleaning charge is allowed, the deposit has deadlines. Florida landlords have 15 days after move-out to return the deposit if they aren't claiming any of it, and 30 days to send written notice if they are, under Fla. Stat. § 83.49.
Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, landlords in Florida may deduct for cleaning fees if the charge is reasonable and supported by documentation. Cleaning fee legality depends on the circumstances: landlords may charge for cleaning only if the unit was left in an unusually dirty condition beyond what ordinary cleaning would address. Many states require the lease to specifically authorize cleaning fees.
Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49. Verified 2026-09-20.
What Counts as Cleaning Fees in Florida?
In Florida, whether cleaning fees may be deducted from a security deposit depends on the specific facts. Landlords here have two deadlines, 15 and 30 days, under Fla. Stat. § 83.49; one who misses the later owes no multiple or flat sum.
Cleaning fee legality depends on the circumstances: landlords may charge for cleaning only if the unit was left in an unusually dirty condition beyond what ordinary cleaning would address. Many states require the lease to specifically authorize cleaning fees.
Common examples in this category:
- Deep cleaning after a tenant leaves garbage or waste
- Cleaning appliances left in an unsanitary state
- Trash removal when tenant failed to remove belongings
How Much Can My Florida Landlord Charge for Cleaning Fees?
The actual, documented cost of the cleaning the unit's condition made necessary, not a flat cleaning fee untethered to real cost. Routine turnover cleaning between tenants is a normal cost of doing business and isn't chargeable at all. Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49 the landlord has to list it as an itemized deduction — ask for the receipt or invoice behind the number.
What Florida Law Says Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49
Landlords in Florida have 15 days to return the deposit if no claim is made, or 30 days to give notice of a claim. A landlord who misses the later deadline owes no multiple or flat sum. The itemized statement itself is due within 30 days.
Florida Deposit Key Facts
- Statute
- Fla. Stat. § 83.49
- Return Deadline
- 15 days after move-out
- Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
- None beyond the deposit itself
- Itemized Statement Required
- Yes
What Your Florida Landlord CAN Deduct
In Florida, the statute lets landlords deduct unpaid rent and documented damage beyond normal wear when the charge is itemized. Every deduction must be itemized within 30 days, and a landlord who skips that step owes no multiple or flat sum.
Permissible deductions under Fla. Stat. § 83.49 when properly documented:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning if lease requires and unit was left dirty
- Lease-break fees if specified in lease
- Costs to replace items tenant removed or kept
What Your Florida Landlord CANNOT Deduct
In Florida, the law does not let a landlord deduct for normal wear and tear, such as faded paint or minor scuffs. A landlord who wrongly withholds it owes no multiple or flat sum, with deadlines of 15 and 30 days depending on whether a claim is made.
Impermissible deductions under Fla. Stat. § 83.49:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, small nail holes, faded paint)
- Carpet replacement after useful life (typically 7-10 years)
- Painting after 2+ year tenancy (normal wear)
- Pre-existing damage not noted at move-in
- Upgrades or improvements beyond restoring to original condition
- Costs to fix landlord deferred maintenance
How Do I Dispute a Cleaning Fees Deduction in Florida?
In Florida, a tenant can dispute a wrongful deduction with a written demand letter, then sue in small claims court. In Florida, small claims court hears claims up to $8,000. A landlord who lets 30 days pass owes no multiple or flat sum.
If your landlord has deducted cleaning fees from your deposit and you believe it is improper under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, here are your options:
- Send a demand letter — cite Fla. Stat. § 83.49 and the specific deduction you are disputing. A statute-cited demand letter puts your landlord on notice and often resolves disputes without court.
- Document everything — gather move-in and move-out photos, your lease, and any written communications with your landlord.
- File in small claims court — if your landlord ignores the demand letter, you can file in Florida small claims court. No lawyer is required. Filing costs about $170.
Florida landlords who wrongfully withhold deposit funds face None beyond the deposit itself in penalties under Fla. Stat. § 83.49. The deadline to return your deposit is 15 days from move-out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord deduct cleaning fees from my deposit in Florida?
Yes — Cleaning Fees is a permissible deduction in Florida when properly documented.
What does Fla. Stat. § 83.49 say about cleaning fees deductions?
Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, landlords in Florida may deduct for cleaning fees if the charge is reasonable and supported by documentation. Cleaning fee legality depends on the circumstances: landlords may charge for cleaning only if the unit was left in an unusually dirty condition beyond what ordinary cleaning would address. Many states require the lease to specifically authorize cleaning fees.
What happens if my Florida landlord wrongfully deducts cleaning fees from my deposit?
Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, if your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you may be entitled to None beyond the deposit itself in penalties. Landlords must return the deposit within 15 days of move-out. If they miss that deadline or make improper deductions, you can send a demand letter and, if ignored, file in small claims court.
Florida Security Deposit Resources
Complete breakdown of Fla. Stat. § 83.49: return deadlines, penalties, all deduction rules.
Enter your move-out date to calculate exactly when your Florida landlord must return your deposit.
Dispute an improper cleaning fees deduction with a demand letter that cites Fla. Stat. § 83.49 directly.
See what your state’s law says your landlord owes you, then generate a demand letter. Check my rights & generate my letter — $19
DepositHawk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information and documents are for informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation. Information is based on Fla. Stat. § 83.49 as of 2026-09-20. Laws change — verify current statutes at your state legislature's website.