Florida Legal Guide
Full guide · Updated for 2026
Small Claims
$8,000
Filed in County Court, Small Claims Division. No lawyer required below this amount.
Open the calculator →Security Deposits
15 days
Deadline for landlords to return a deposit or send an itemized deduction list after move-out.
What to do if it’s late →Eviction Notice
3 days
Minimum written notice a landlord typically must give before starting eviction proceedings.
Statute of Limitations
5 years
Time limit to sue over a breached written contract in Florida.
Employment
At-will
Employers can generally terminate without cause, subject to federal anti-discrimination and retaliation protections.
Check overtime pay owed →What Makes Florida Different
Florida landlords must send written deposit intent within 30 days and pay out within 15 if undisputed.
Florida’s $8,000 small claims limit sits above the 50-state median of 7500 — meaning more disputes qualify for a fast, self-represented filing before you'd need to escalate to a formal civil suit.
On security deposits, Florida gives landlords 15 days to act — above the 50-state median of 30 days. That's a tighter window than most states, which works in tenants' favor: less time passes before you can act on a missed deadline. Once that window closes without an itemized deduction list, you have real leverage to demand the full amount back — see our Security Deposit Checker to see exactly where you stand.
For eviction, Florida generally requires 3 days’ written notice before a landlord can start formal proceedings — regardless of that number, only a court can order an actual eviction; a landlord changing your locks or removing belongings without a court order is illegal self-help eviction in every state, Florida included.
Free Tools & Guides for Florida
Every link below is a working tool or guide — not a placeholder.