Florida Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

Florida Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

20 yrs

Judgment Lifespan

5 yrs

Debt SOL (Written)

6.83%

Post-Judgment Interest

✗

COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Florida is one of the most debtor-friendly states in the nation, with an unlimited homestead exemption and a complete wage garnishment ban for most consumer debts (head of household protection). Creditors must rely primarily on bank levies, personal property executions, and liens on second properties or investment holdings.

Florida Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type	Limitation Period	Statute
Written Contract	5 years	`FL Stat. §95.11(2)(b)`
Open Account / Credit Card	4 years	`FL Stat. §95.11(3)(k)`
Oral Contract	4 years	`FL Stat. §95.11(3)(p)`
Promissory Note	5 years	`FL Stat. §95.11(2)(b)`
Judgment Lien	20 years	`FL Stat. §55.081`

Florida’s 5-year SOL for written contracts and 4-year SOL for open accounts gives creditors a reasonable window to file suit after default.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Florida post-judgment interest accrues at a variable rate established quarterly by the Chief Financial Officer (approx. 6.83% currently) under Florida Statute §55.03. Interest compounds annually.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Florida

Wage Garnishment no

Florida prohibits wage garnishment for most consumer debts if the debtor qualifies as head of household. Exceptions exist for child support, student loans, and federal taxes (FL Stat. §222.11).

Bank Account Levy yes

Bank account garnishment is available via a writ of garnishment after judgment (FL Stat. §77.01). Exempt wages directly deposited and traceable may still be protected.

Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes

Recording a certified copy of judgment in county records creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in Florida (FL Stat. §55.10). Effective in any county where recorded.

Turnover Order limited

Florida does not have a specific turnover statute but courts may order disclosure of assets through supplemental proceedings (FL R. Civ. P. 1.560).

Writ of Execution yes

Writs of execution direct the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property and sell it to satisfy the judgment (FL Stat. §56.021).

Vehicle Levy yes

One motor vehicle up to $1,000 in equity is exempt for natural persons (FL Stat. §222.25). Vehicles above this cap may be levied upon.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type	Exemption Amount	Statute
Homestead	Unlimited (1/2 acre urban, 160 acres rural)	`FL Const. Art. X §4`
Motor Vehicle	$1,000 equity	`FL Stat. §222.25`
Wages	Head of household — 100% exempt	`FL Stat. §222.11`
Personal Property	$1,000 ($4,000 if no homestead claimed)	`FL Const. Art. X §4`
Retirement	All ERISA-qualified plans	`FL Stat. §222.21`

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Official Florida Resources

Florida Courts – Public InformationCivil case search by county Florida Division of Corporations – SunbizBusiness entity & registered agent search Florida Statutes – LegislatureOfficial Florida statutes search Florida Dept. of Revenue – Lien SearchState tax lien filings

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Florida attorney before taking collection action.