Statute of Limitations on Debt in Florida
How long a creditor or collector has to sue you over a debt in Florida, and whether a payment restarts the clock.
Short answer: 5 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a written instrument. Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b)
| 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) |
|---|---|
| Time limit for credit cards and open accounts | 4 years for a contract, obligation or liability not founded on a written instrument, including store accounts. An action to collect medical debt for services at a licensed hospital or other facility has 3 years, counted from when the facility refers the debt to a third party for collection. Source: Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(j), (4) |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | An acknowledgment of, or promise to pay, a debt that is already time-barred must be in writing and signed by the debtor to be enforceable. The statute does not address the effect of a partial payment made before the period runs. Source: Fla. Stat. § 95.04 |
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
- Wage Garnishment in Florida
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Florida
- What Creditors Can't Take in Florida
- Medical Debt Protections in Florida
- All Florida debt & collections rules
FAQ
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 can a creditor sue on a credit card debt in Florida?
4 years for a contract, obligation or liability not founded on a written instrument, including store accounts. An action to collect medical debt for services at a licensed hospital or other facility has 3 years, counted from when the facility refers the debt to a third party for collection.
Does making a payment restart the statute of limitations in Florida?
An acknowledgment of, or promise to pay, a debt that is already time-barred must be in writing and signed by the debtor to be enforceable.
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.