Medical Debt Protections in Florida
State protections for medical debt in Florida, including credit reporting and collection limits.
Short answer: Licensed hospitals and similar facilities may not take 'extraordinary collection actions' (selling the debt, credit reporting, liens, lawsuits, garnishment) until they have, among other steps, checked eligibility for financial assistance, sent an itemized bill, billed insurance, and… Fla. Stat. § 395.3011; § 95.11(4)
| Medical debt protections | Licensed hospitals and similar facilities may not take 'extraordinary collection actions' (selling the debt, credit reporting, liens, lawsuits, garnishment) until they have, among other steps, checked eligibility for financial assistance, sent an itemized bill, billed insurance, and given 30 days' written notice. They also may not take these actions while the patient negotiates in good faith or follows a payment plan. Suits on such facility medical debt have a 3-year limit. Enacted by ch. 2024-183, amended by ch. 2025-98. |
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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
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Florida
- What Creditors Can't Take in Florida
- All Florida debt & collections rules
FAQ
What protections apply to medical debt in Florida?
Licensed hospitals and similar facilities may not take 'extraordinary collection actions' (selling the debt, credit reporting, liens, lawsuits, garnishment) until they have, among other steps, checked eligibility for financial assistance, sent an itemized bill, billed insurance, and given 30 days' written notice. They also may not take these actions while the patient negotiates in good faith or follows a payment plan. Suits on such facility medical debt have a 3-year limit.
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.