Know the statutory issue
Section 83.60(2) addresses registry deposits when a residential tenant raises a defense other than payment, including a defective three-day notice. It requires accrued and ongoing rent deposits as specified, or a timely motion to determine the amount. The statute describes a five-day period after service, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, for the initial compliance step.
Track what the court record shows
Ask counsel to review service, the response, any rent-determination motion, registry activity, and orders. A landlord’s bank account does not show whether the tenant deposited money with the clerk. Save the docket and distinguish direct payments from court-held funds.
Do not assume the next result
The statute provides consequences for failure to comply, including waiver of defenses other than payment and entitlement to an immediate possession default. Applying that rule still requires review of the actual procedural record. Give counsel complete information about every payment and agreement.
Maintain a parallel accounting
Continue updating the rent ledger during the case. Identify each new charge, payment, credit, and registry entry without double counting. If the tenant disputes the amount, make it possible to trace each number back to a lease provision or transaction.
Prepare for your conversation
Sources & further reading
Section 83.60, Florida Statutes ↗Source links checked during preparation on November 4, 2026. Statutes, lease terms, court orders, and the facts of a particular matter must be reviewed together.
