You need to read up on florida landlord tenant law. Usually, if you send a polite email/letter indicating which part of the code they have violated and quote it, they'll give you the time of day.
Personally, I'm a bit tired of hearing of students and friends being abused by landlords and doing nothing about it. It's your money and pride... do something about it.
Landlords have a set number of days to return security deposits and if they are taking out more than previously agreed to, they usually have to indicate why/include records.
If need be, file in small claims court or at least send them the papers. We had a landlord who wouldn't respond to anything... except a summons. Then he came clean on everything very quickly.
I hate to say it, but stop bitching and get your money. Landlords will screw you only if you let them.
Here's a link to florida landlord tenant code:
http://www.800helpfla.com/landlord_text.html
Specific to deposits:
Section 83.49, F. S.
A landlord has the discretion to collect various deposits as well as some rent in advance. These advance payments generally vary in range. You should be careful about making any deposit unless a definite decision has been made to move into the unit. A tenant who puts down a deposit but then decides not to occupy the unit, MAY NOT be entitled to a refund.
If a deposit is non-refundable it should be stated in the rental agreement.
A damage deposit is the most common requirement of landlords. At the time of the pre-rental walk-through with the landlord, you should make note of damaged items or areas, worn rugs, broken fixtures, etc. and give a copy to the landlord. Keep a copy for your files, which may help eliminate or minimize disputes later.
When you move out, the landlord must either return your deposit within 15 days of termination of the rental agreement, if the landlord does not intend to impose a claim upon the security deposit; or justify in writing by certified mail, to the tenant's last known mailing address within 30-days upon termination of a rental agreement, as to why they are keeping a portion of or all of the deposit. If the notice is not sent as required within the 30-day period, the landlord forfeits his/her right to impose a claim upon the deposit, unless you fail to give proper notice prior to vacating.
Section 83.49, 3(b)(c), F. S.
Unless you object to the imposition of the landlord’s claim or the amount thereof within 15 days after receipt of the landlord’s notice of intention to impose a claim, the landlord may then deduct the amount of his or her claim and shall remit the balance of the deposit to you within 30 days after the date of the notice of intention to impose a claim for damages. If you object to the landlord’s claim you may file a complaint with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or institute an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to adjudicate the landlord’s right to the security deposit.
