Debt Collection in Florida: Calls, Lawsuits, Judgments and Consumer Resources

After a debt goes unpaid, the original creditor or a third-party collector may contact you. Federal law generally regulates certain third-party debt collection activity through the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Consumers may generally request written information about a debt from a third-party collector under federal rules. The specific rights and time limits depend on the applicable law and how the request is made.

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Debt Collection
• Florida Attorney General — Consumer Protection
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — Consumer Resources

If a creditor or debt buyer files a lawsuit, court papers will generally identify the plaintiff, the amount claimed, and how to respond. Deadlines to answer are short in most cases.

Failing to respond can result in a default judgment, which may lead to additional collection activity such as judgment liens or, in some cases, actions against non-exempt property.

A judgment is a court order that a debt is owed. In Florida, a judgment lien may be recorded and can affect certain non-exempt property. The details are technical and depend on the type of property and the applicable statutes.

After a judgment, certain funds in bank accounts may be reached by creditors, while other funds (such as certain government benefits) are generally protected under federal or state law. The applicable rules can be complex.

Bankruptcy and other debt-relief options may affect certain collection activity. Which option (if any) may fit depends on individual facts and goals. See the general Debt Relief Options topic for background.

The time limit that may apply to a debt collection lawsuit can depend on the type of debt, contract terms, payment history, court history, and other legal factors. Do not rely on a general figure as a personalized conclusion.

• CFPB Complaint
• Florida Law Help
• Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service