What counts as normal wear and tear in Florida?
Florida courts generally distinguish wear and tear (not deductible) from damage (deductible). Wear and tear includes: minor scuffs and nail holes, faded paint, worn carpet pile, loose grout, lightly worn appliance handles, and routine cleaning to a reasonable level. Damage includes: holes larger than a small nail, broken windows or fixtures, deep stains in carpet, smoke or pet odor requiring full cleaning, missing or destroyed appliances, and any modification not approved. The line is fuzzy in close cases. Treble damages plus attorney fees if the court finds bad-faith withholding under Fla. Stat. 83.49(3)(c). Florida small-claims judges typically read close cases against the landlord.
Source: Fla. Stat. 83.49(3)
This is an informational answer based on Fla. Stat. 83.49(3) as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a Florida-licensed attorney.