Wage Garnishment in Florida: How It Works and Where to Get Help

Wage garnishment is a legal process in which a portion of a person's earnings may be withheld by an employer and paid toward a debt.

Most private creditors must first obtain a court judgment before pursuing wage garnishment. Certain debts (for example, some tax or child-support obligations) may follow different processes.

Federal law places limits on how much of a person's disposable earnings may be garnished for most consumer debts. State law may provide additional protection.

Florida law provides a head-of-family protection that may limit or block wage garnishment for many workers who financially support a dependent. The protection depends on income, dependents, the type of debt, and whether the required exemption process is completed on time. See Fla. Stat. § 222.11.

Certain obligations (such as child support, some tax debts, and some federal student loans) may not be treated the same as ordinary consumer debts. Different limits and procedures may apply.

Garnishment paperwork typically includes short deadlines and information about how to claim an exemption. Missing a deadline can affect the outcome, even where a protection may otherwise apply.

Filing bankruptcy generally triggers an automatic stay that may pause certain collection activity, including many garnishments. Coverage and duration depend on the case and the type of debt.

• Florida Law Help
• Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
• U.S. Department of Labor — Wage Garnishment