Dog hair and smell with no pets allowed

[Dan Hatch]

Just had tenants move out and when I went to inspect the property, among other things, I could tell that a dog was locked in the back room because of the smell, dog hair, and scratches on the door. They said they have no pets and the lease does not allow pets. My pet fee is $25/month. So my question is, in Florida: is it legal for me to take $300 ($25/ month for 12 months) out of the security deposit for a pet fee? There was also extra cleaning and painting involved Thanks!

[Ralph Hunter]

Well, I did a little searching of Florida rental law and I cannot find anything either way. You could charge the pet fee and remove it from the deposit. I would have photographic proof and perhaps samples of the dog hair as a backup. The tenant has 15 days to protest the charges. But... a real estate attorney would have a more direct answer.