How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Florida
The deadline to answer a debt lawsuit in Florida, where to file, and what happens if you don't respond.
Short answer: Debt claims up to $8,000 are usually small claims cases in County Court. A written answer is not usually required unless the court orders it, but the defendant must appear (in person, by counsel or by approved remote technology) at the pretrial conference. Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.090(a), (c); Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.010(b)
| Answering a debt lawsuit | Debt claims up to $8,000 are usually small claims cases in County Court. A written answer is not usually required unless the court orders it, but the defendant must appear (in person, by counsel or by approved remote technology) at the pretrial conference. Missing it can lead to a default judgment. |
|---|---|
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 5 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a written instrument. Source: Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b) |
| How long a judgment lasts | No judgment can be a lien on property after 20 years from entry, and an action on a Florida court-of-record judgment must be brought within 20 years. A judgment lien on real estate lasts 10 years from recording a certified copy and can be extended once for another 10 years by re-recording with an address affidavit before it expires. § 55.10: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/55.10 |
Where to get help in Florida
- Florida Office of Financial Regulation, Division of Consumer Finance (registers consumer collection agencies)
- File a complaint or claim
More Florida debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Florida
- Wage Garnishment in Florida
- What Creditors Can't Take in Florida
- Medical Debt Protections in Florida
- All Florida debt & collections rules
FAQ
How do I respond to a debt collection lawsuit in Florida?
Debt claims up to $8,000 are usually small claims cases in County Court. A written answer is not usually required unless the court orders it, but the defendant must appear (in person, by counsel or by approved remote technology) at the pretrial conference. Missing it can lead to a default judgment.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Florida?
5 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a written instrument.
How long does a court judgment last in Florida?
No judgment can be a lien on property after 20 years from entry, and an action on a Florida court-of-record judgment must be brought within 20 years. A judgment lien on real estate lasts 10 years from recording a certified copy and can be extended once for another 10 years by re-recording with an address affidavit before it expires.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.