Florida security deposit account for landlords

Easily collect and manage deposits for every property with dedicated security deposit accounts.

Why use a security deposit account in {{ state }}

Security deposit funds are instantly separated, making move-in, move-out, and returns completely clear.

Benefits for property
owners

Repair and maintenance

Covers property damage such as paint, carpet, or floor damage, including costs caused by pets.

Fund separation

Meet state requirements for holding deposits in a dedicated tenant security deposit account.

Streamlined returns

Simplifies refunding tenants while accounting for deductions like cleaning or unpaid utilities.

Benefits for tenants

Fair protection

Funds are protected from misuse, covering only actual repair costs like cleaning, carpet replacement, or floor damage.

Transparency on deductions

Tenants can clearly see allowable charges, protecting against unfair claims on normal wear and tear.

Savings potential

Deposits may be held in a tenant security deposit account or rental deposit account that earns security deposit interest, helping tenants recover more than they put in.

Get started in
minutes

Get started
Create account
Open a banking account online — no monthly account maintenance fees or minimums.
Collect deposits
Collect security deposits online via ACH or card.
Assign properties
Auto-tag deposits in Baselane and external accounts to specific properties.

Baselane accounts cannot hold security deposits in states requiring escrow or state-based accounts, but can be used to collect, track, and securely transfer deposits to compliant external accounts.

{{ state }} security deposit account

A tenant deposit in Florida must be deposited into a separate bank account (can be interest or non-interest-bearing) with a Florida-based financial institution, or the landlord may post a surety bond for the amount of the deposit.

{{ state }} security deposit
limits

There is no statutory maximum security deposit Florida landlords can charge. A best practice is to collect the national average security deposit equivalent of 1 to 2 months’ rent.

{{ state }} security deposit interest

The state law security deposit rules require interest on security deposits in Florida only if landlords keep the funds in an interest-bearing bank account at either 5% simple interest or at least 75% of the annualized average interest rate. The security deposit interest rate is zero if the landlord uses a non-interest-bearing account.

Go beyond standard security deposit accounts

Collect, return, and track deposits by tenant and
property, even when funds are held in external accounts.

{{ state }} security deposit accounts

Keep every deposit organized and accounted for with secure transfers to [State] security deposit accounts.

Unlimited accounts for all entities

Manage deposits for all entities under one login — LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and individuals.

Free online payments

Collect rent and deposits online for free and easily return deposits via ACH, wire, or check.

Automated bookkeeping

Track and tag payments to the right tenant and property — automatically.

Essentials for every door

Everything you need for every part of the rental process.

Lease creation and e-sign

Upload or create and e-sign state-specific leases online.

Free tenant screening

Screen tenants online for free — instantly verify credit, background, evictions, ID, and income.

Property-specific accounts

Open unlimited checking and savings accounts to easily separate funds for all your properties with no monthly maintenance fees.

{{ state }} security deposit rules

Maximum deposit

No statutory limit, but 1 or 2 months’ rent recommended

Interest required

Yes, if kept in an interest-bearing bank account

Account requirements

Escrow account (can be interest or non-interest-bearing) with a Florida-based financial institution, or post a surety bond for the deposit amount. Inform the tenant about the name and location of the security deposit bank account in Florida.

Deductible funds

Unpaid rent or utilities, repairs, lease violations, and cleaning costs

Return deadline

15 days if no deductions claimed, (30 days if deductions are made)

Additional resources

featured
ARTICLE

How to collect security deposits

This guide will teach you when to collect a security deposit, how much it should be, and how to manage security deposit funds.

Read now
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FAQs

How much security deposit can a landlord charge in Florida?

There is no legal cap on the Florida security deposit limit. Landlords can charge one to two months’ rent as a deposit along with first and last month's rent.

Is interest required on Florida landlord security deposits?

No, Florida security deposit interest is not legally required if the landlord uses a non-interest-bearing account. But, if the landlord chooses an interest-bearing account, they must pay the tenant interest at either 75% of the annual average rate or 5% simple interest. This deposit must be held in a landlord tenant security deposit bank account in Florida.

How should I issue a security deposit receipt to tenants in Florida?

Within 30 days of getting the deposit, the landlord must give the tenant a written notice stating the name and address of the financial institution where the money is held and whether the tenant will receive interest. It should be sent in person or by mail/email.

How many days to return the security deposit in Florida?

Tenant security deposit Florida rules state that the landlord has 15 days once the lease ends to return the full deposit, if no deductions are made. If deductions are made, the landlord has 30 days to send a written notice detailing those claims and the remaining deposit, if any.

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Florida?

State law clearly outlines the landlord's right to security deposit deductions. The landlord can use the tenant’s security deposit to cover damage to the rental property (such as a house rental, apartment, or condo) beyond normal wear and tear, such as floor damage. Landlords who wrongly keep funds may face charges for double damages.

Can a security deposit be used for unpaid rent in Florida?

Yes, landlords can use the funds from the security deposit escrow account in Florida to cover unpaid rent owed by the tenant.

Can a landlord keep a security deposit for breaking a lease in Florida?

Yes, the landlord security deposit in Florida can be used to cover any loss in case the tenant breaks a lease early. Landlords often use the funds to cover the rent until a new tenant is found, as the existing tenant remains responsible for rent payments until the property is re-rented.