Florida renters insurance and security deposit guide

Short answer: In Florida, your landlord's policy covers the building, not your belongings, and standard renters policies generally exclude flood, including storm surge. When you move out, Florida Statute §83.49 requires the landlord to return the deposit within 15 days if they aren't making a claim against it. If they are, they must send written notice of the claim within 30 days, and you have 15 days to object in writing.

This guide is general information for Florida renters. It isn't legal advice, and local ordinances can add rules. Your lease and policy wording control.

What a renters policy does (and what your landlord's policy doesn't)

Your landlord's insurance covers the building, not your belongings or your liability. A renters policy (often called HO-4) typically includes three parts:

• Personal property: your belongings, at actual cash value or replacement cost depending on what you choose.
• Personal liability: if you accidentally injure someone or damage someone else's property. See how much renters liability coverage you need.
• Loss of use: extra living costs if a covered loss makes your unit unlivable.

Standard renters policies generally exclude flood. Renters can buy NFIP contents coverage; see FloodSmart. Questions about roommates: whether renters insurance covers roommates. More on coverage: renters insurance.

Step 1: Prepare for hurricane season

Wind damage to your belongings is typically handled under your renters policy, subject to its deductibles. Read the declarations page for any separate hurricane deductible. Flood and storm surge usually need a separate flood policy; NFIP contents coverage is available to renters through FloodSmart. Keep an inventory with photos stored in the cloud.

Step 2: Security deposit rules under §83.49

Under Florida Statute §83.49:

• If the landlord doesn't intend to claim against the deposit, it must be returned (with interest if required) within 15 days after the rental agreement ends.
• If the landlord intends to claim, they must send written notice by certified mail or e-mail within 30 days, stating the amount and reason. If they miss that deadline, they forfeit the right to impose a claim on the deposit (though they can still sue for damages after returning it).
• You have 15 days after receiving the notice to object in writing. If you don't, the landlord may deduct the claim and must remit the balance within 30 days after the notice. Not objecting doesn't waive your right to sue separately.
• Landlords with five or more units must tell you in writing, within 30 days of receiving the deposit, where it's held and whether you'll earn interest.

Step 3: Give notice and a forwarding address

Section 83.49(5) generally requires a tenant who leaves before the lease ends, or who is on a periodic tenancy, to give at least 7 days' written notice by certified mail or personal delivery, with an address where you can be reached, unless the lease says otherwise. If you don't, the landlord is relieved of the notice requirement in (3)(a), though you don't waive your right to the deposit.

Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Florida.

Frequently asked questions

Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.