Florida PM kept security - subject to triple-damages ?

[Stephen S.]

This is in regard to a Florida based property management company.  Their basic MO (I have since discovered) is that they never return security deposits.  They tell the landlord that it was required to give the security deposit to the tenants - and they tell the tenants that the landlord refuses to give back the security deposit.  Usually this apparently flies and the PM keeps the security themselves.  When either of the parties sue them they go to court and always lose and always write a check when ordered to.

In NJ if a landlord refuses to give a security deposit back, and/or fails to detail the handling of the security. (Why it wasn't returned, etc.). The landlord is subject to triple damages.  That is: if the landlord loses in court he has to pay 300% of the security deposit to the tenants as 'damages'.

My question for you all now is:  Does Florida have such a penalty scheme in place?  And . . . . . Would it apply to this situation?   

The tenant left the property six weeks early and did not pay the last months rent and there was some slight damage

.  So the tenant is Not entitled to receive the security deposit back in this case.  I have spoken to the ex-tenant and they Did Not receive the security deposit back.  Making the PM thieves AND liars. 

Stephen

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