Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

I rented an apartment from a real estate company. They were the rental agents not the owner.I moved out of my apartment. Everything on my end was done according to my lease. The owner of the real estate company illegally took the money from his company along with my $900 security deposit. He still lives in this town but has lost his real estate license because of his actions. My rental agent says she is not responsible but I have to go through him to get my security deposit back. I sent him an email requesting my security deposit be returned over 2 weeks ago and he has not responded. I called the real estate board here in town and they told me since he no longer has a license they can't help me. Where do I go from here? If I have to get an attorney it will wind up costing me a bunch of money I don't have. I live in Florida. Thank you.


Asked on 3/15/13, 3:36 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Barry Stein De Cardenas, Freixas, Stein & Zachary

You need to have an attorney review your paperwork. There is no way around that. You should be able to get a consultation for $200 or less. Call the local bar assocation or contac the The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service.

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Answered on 3/15/13, 3:49 pm
Dawn Marie Bates-Buchanan Bates-Buchanan & Savitsky Law Group, P.A.

If you signed a lease through the rental company, the "company" and it's owner would be responsible for your deposit. You could sue both the company and the owner. There is a chance the company has insurance. I would seek legal consultation with an attorney, my office is in Bradenton and we offer a consultation for $75.00 and if you hire our firm your consultation is free. You would have a right to sue not only for your deposit back but attorneys fees and costs as well.

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Answered on 3/15/13, 3:49 pm


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