My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: florida

I had rented a unit in a duplex for 8 years. When I gave notice to move out they tryed to get me to stay as I was a great tenant. Gave them 2mths advance notice and every two week updates with an exact date.
The landlord and his wife refused on two occasions my request to do a walk through and I am sorry now that I didnot insist. I mean I got to know them very well over 8 years. They even help care for my cat when I was in hospital.
Now I only recvieved one call from the wife about painting the hallway and told her that it was done but I was not repainting the whole unit and became upset with her for even bringing it up again. My request for my security deposit went unanwsered, even by certified mail so after saving up the money for fees finally took them to small claim court for my deposit and 3 days paid rental refund.
Now they have an attorney who filed an anwser denied charges, and is countersuing for $2000.00 and attorney costsfor alleged damages to unit. Is this legal? I thought they had to refund my deposit or tell me in 30days by certified mail if they were holding it for damages or return it to me otherwise they lost their right to claim it for damages.