How long can a creditor collect on a debt in Florida?
Isabella Turner
Updated on January 29, 2026
five years
In Florida, the statute of limitations applicable to a debt collection lawsuit is generally five years. This means that once five years have passed, a creditor generally can no longer file a lawsuit against you to try and recover on that old debt.
How long does a credit card company have to sue you in Florida?
Florida’s Statute of Limitations on Debt In Florida, the statute of limitations on debt is typically five years. This means that once the five-year timeline has expired, creditors can no longer file a lawsuit against the borrower in order to try and recover the debt.
What are the debt collection laws in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations varies for different types of debts. For written contracts such as personal loans, the statute of limitations is five years. So once this type of debt is more than five years past due, the lender can no longer sue in order to collect owed money. For other debts, the statute is shorter.
What can restart the debt statute of limitations Florida?
If you make as small as a $5 payment, it can re-age/restart the debt and add more years to the limitations period. The debt collector can still try to collect but if you tell them to not contact you, they are required by law to stop.
Is there a statute of limitations on debt collection in Florida?
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a creditor can attempt to collect on a bad debt even if it falls outside of the Florida statute of limitations on debt collection. It is entirely possible for creditors to file lawsuits in an attempt to collect on old debts even when the statute of limitations has passed.
When does the Statute of limitations begin in Florida?
F.S. 95.11. The limitations period begins from the date the last element of the cause of action occurred, (95.051). NOTE: The limitation period is tolled (stopped) for any period during which the debtor is absent from the state and each time a voluntary payment is made on a debt arising from a written instrument.
When does a debt become time barred in Florida?
After 12 years, however, the debt becomes time-barred no matter when the victim discovered it. After a debt is barred, some creditors or debt collectors may resurrect it as a zombie debt, pressuring you to pay even though you no longer have an obligation. A debt collector can even sue you for a time-barred debt.
How long does a tax lien last in Florida?
•Tax liens — a claim on your property to pay for back taxes — can last up to 20 years, but may expire sooner, depending on the type of tax debt. •Court costs or fines — no time limit — the state may sue you to collect at any time.