South Miami, FL Security Deposit Laws 2026
Florida limits security deposits to 2 month(s) of rent. In South Miami, that's $3,050 at the median 2BR rent of $1,525/month. Miss the 15-day return deadline and you could owe $3,050+.
In Florida, landlords must return security deposits within 15 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 2 month(s) of rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $3,050 or more.
This applies to properties in South Miami, FL. Check all requirements for your property →
Key Takeaways — South Miami Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 2 month(s) of rent = $3,050 at South Miami's median rent
- Return deadline: 15 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($3,050)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
Security Deposit Laws in South Miami
Under Florida law, landlords in South Miami may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month(s) of rent. At South Miami's median 2-bedroom rent of $1,525/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $3,050.
$3,050
max deposit (2mo × $1,525)
15 days
return deadline
$3,050
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 15-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your South Miami rental, Florida law gives you exactly 15 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.
What you can deduct from a security deposit in South Miami:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
- Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)
What you cannot deduct:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
- Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
- Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition
Penalty Warning
Violate Florida security deposit laws rules in South Miami and you could owe $3,050+. At South Miami's median rent of $1,525/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
South Miami Rental Market Context
South Miami is the 159th-largest city in Florida (population 12,073). With a median 2-bedroom rent of $1,525/month, it falls in the above-average range for Florida rental costs — 4% above the state median of $1,471/month.
How South Miami Compares in County
South Miami ranks #49 of 140 cities in County by population. Because security deposit laws rules are often tied to rent amounts, costs vary across the county.
| City | Population | Median Rent | Max Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Petersburg | 263,553 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Port St. Lucie | 245,021 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Miramar | 138,319 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Coral Springs | 134,906 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Miami Gardens | 110,717 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Davie | 107,799 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Sunrise | 96,808 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Plantation | 96,548 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Doral | 79,359 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Lauderhill | 73,974 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Tamarac | 72,372 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Weston | 68,181 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| St. Cloud | 66,448 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| Wellington | 61,634 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
| North Miami | 59,008 | $1,493/mo | $2,986 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for County, Florida. All cities follow Florida state law unless a local ordinance applies.
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How South Miami Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what South Miami landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (South Miami) | Max Deposit (2mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,211/mo | $2,422 | $4,844 |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,296/mo | $2,592 | $5,184 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,525/mo | $3,050 | $6,100 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,971/mo | $3,942 | $7,884 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for State Average.
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More South Miami Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
