Florida Eviction and Security Deposit

[Keric Allen]

I am hoping someone has some experience with this.  I recently went through the eviction process for a tenant in Florida.  The Judge ordered them to vacate the property NLT March 31 and required they deposit rent owed for Feb. and Mar. with the Clerk of Court which was then given to me.  Their lease was not up until June 30.  Can I keep their security deposit to cover the rent I would have received for the months of April, May and June.  Florida state statute 83.49 does not cover this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[Theresa Harris]

Tough one.  The lease was broken due to the eviction.  Based on this link, it seems to depend on how your lease was written.

https://www.kelleygrantlaw.com/blog/returning-security-deposits-after-an-eviction-for-non-payment-of-rent/