Tallahassee Eviction and Security Deposit Rules

Housing and Building Standards Florida 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Florida

Tallahassee, Florida tenants should understand how local code enforcement and Florida landlord-tenant law interact when disputes over evictions and security deposits arise. This guide explains the roles of city code inspectors, the applicable Florida statutes, common timelines for deposit returns and notices, how enforcement works, and practical steps tenants can take if a landlord or property fails to meet legal obligations. It focuses on what applies in Tallahassee, who to contact to report habitability or code problems, and how to pursue appeals or civil claims when required.

Overview

Eviction actions are primarily governed by Florida landlord-tenant statutes, while habitability, building and nuisance complaints are addressed by Tallahassee code enforcement and building inspections. Tenants should track timelines, preserve records, and use official complaint channels for code violations.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement in Tallahassee combines city code remedies for housing and safety violations with state court procedures for evictions and deposit disputes. The City’s Code Enforcement office receives complaints and enforces the Tallahassee Code of Ordinances; procedural details for reporting and inspection are available on the city site[1]. For deposit deadlines, notice requirements, and eviction process steps, Florida Statutes chapter 83 is controlling[2].

Contact code enforcement early to avoid losing time-sensitive remedies.
  • Common municipal penalties for code violations: monetary fines, orders to repair, and liens; exact fine schedules are not specified on the city complaint page and appear in the Tallahassee Code of Ordinances.
  • Security deposit timing: Florida law provides specific deadlines for returning deposits and for landlords to give written notice of intent to impose a claim; see Florida Statutes ch. 83 for the exact timeframes.
  • Eviction escalation: notices, court filing, hearing, and possible writ of possession under state procedure; the city page does not itself provide civil court filing fees or schedules.
  • Enforcer: Tallahassee Code Enforcement handles local housing and safety violations; the Leon County court system handles eviction filings and civil remedies.
  • Appeals and review: administrative appeals of city orders follow the procedures in the Tallahassee Code; time limits for filing appeals are specified in the ordinance text and are not given in detail on the general complaint page.

Applications & Forms

There is no city eviction form; eviction and forcible entry actions are filed with the county court using civil complaint forms and writ procedures governed by Florida court rules. For security deposit disputes, no separate city form is required; tenants may use correspondence and preserve receipts to pursue civil claims in county court. For city code complaints, use the Tallahassee online complaint/reporting system linked on the city site[1].

Eviction filings are handled by the county clerk, not the city.

How enforcement typically proceeds

  • Tenant documents the issue and requests repairs in writing to the landlord.
  • If unresolved, tenant files a Tallahassee code complaint for habitability or nuisance issues[1].
  • For deposit or eviction disputes, parties follow Florida Statutes procedures and may file in county court[2].
  • If the city issues a violation, remedies can include repair orders, fines, and liens; civil penalties and amounts are specified in the ordinance text (see municipal code).

Action Steps for Tenants

  • Keep written records: lease, receipts, photos, written repair requests, and correspondence about the deposit.
  • Report immediate health or safety hazards to Tallahassee Code Enforcement using the city reporting page[1].
  • If a landlord fails to return a deposit or gives a dispute notice, review Florida Statutes ch. 83 for the required timelines and preserve all notices[2].
  • To contest an eviction or recover a deposit, prepare evidence and file the appropriate civil action in Leon County court.

FAQ

What is the deadline for a landlord to return a security deposit?
Florida Statutes specify deadlines for returning deposits and for giving written notice of intent to impose a claim; consult chapter 83 for exact timeframes.[2]
Can the City of Tallahassee evict a tenant?
No; eviction is a state court process under Florida law. The city can enforce habitability and safety codes but does not handle forcible evictions; report code issues to the city enforcement office[1].
How do I report unsafe housing in Tallahassee?
File a complaint through the Tallahassee Code Enforcement reporting page; inspectors will review and may issue orders if violations are found.[1]

How-To

  1. Document the issue: gather photos, written repair requests, and receipts.
  2. Contact your landlord in writing requesting repair or deposit return; keep copies.
  3. If unresolved, submit a Tallahassee code complaint online and request inspection[1].
  4. For deposit or eviction disputes, follow Florida Statutes chapter 83 and file in county court if necessary[2].

Key Takeaways

  • Eviction is handled under Florida law; the city enforces building and habitability codes.
  • Keep written records and use official complaint channels to preserve remedies.
  • Contact Tallahassee Code Enforcement for local housing violations and the county clerk for court filings.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tallahassee - Code Enforcement and reporting
  2. [2] Florida Statutes, Chapter 83 - Landlord and Tenant

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data