Can you go to jail for not paying credit cards in Florida?
Sophia Koch
Updated on January 26, 2026
In the state of Florida, you can’t be put in jail for failing to pay a debt or judgment. But since debtors’ prisons were found to be unconstitutional and biased against people with lower incomes, you are not likely to face jail time over an unpaid debt.
How long does a credit card company have to sue you for non payment?
Based on California’s SOL, the creditor has four years from the debtor’s last payment to file a collection suit. In this case, the creditor can sue until May 2020.
How long does a credit card Judgement last in Florida?
20 years
A judgment lasts for up to 20 years. This means that the person who obtained the judgment can collect on it until it is fully paid, for up to 20 years after it is filed with the clerk and recorded. Interest accrues every year as set by the chief financial officer of the state of Florida.
Can credit card companies put a lien on your house in Florida?
Mitch from Florida asked us: “Can credit card companies put a lien on my and my wife’s house for my charge offs?” Yes it’s possible for a lien to be placed on your home for certain debts, but a debt collector’s threats to do so may be illegal.
What is the Statute of limitations on credit card debt in Florida?
While the general statute of limitations in Florida for collecting a debt is a whopping 20 years, the laws are more restrictive for credit cards. The Florida statute of limitations on credit card debt gives a credit card company only four or five years to sue.
What are the credit card laws in Florida?
Credit card companies have more rights after they go to court and win a judgment against a debtor in Florida. At that point, Florida credit card law permits the company to take various actions toward collecting the debt.
Is there Statute of limitations on unpaid debt?
There is an important distinction between the statute of limitations for debt and how unpaid debt affects your credit report. These are two separate conversations. Even if the statute of limitations has passed on your debt, outstanding debt can still have a negative impact on your credit score.
What happens when the Statute of limitations on a credit card expires?
Once the statute of limitations on credit card or other kinds of debts expires, the group you owe can’t take you to court to collect the money anymore.