Wage Garnishment in Florida
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in Florida and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: A head of family (someone providing more than half the support of a child or other dependent) has all disposable earnings of $750 a week or less fully protected. Fla. Stat. § 222.11(2)
| Wage garnishment limit | A head of family (someone providing more than half the support of a child or other dependent) has all disposable earnings of $750 a week or less fully protected. Earnings above $750 a week cannot be garnished either, unless the person signed a separate written waiver in the required form, and even then only up to the federal limit. For others, the federal limit applies (no more than 25% of disposable earnings). Source: Fla. Stat. § 222.11(2) |
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| Claiming an exemption | A writ of garnishment against an individual comes with a 'Notice to Defendant' and a Claim of Exemption and Request for Hearing form. To protect exempt wages or money, the debtor fills out the form, has it notarized, and files it with the clerk within 20 days after receiving the notice. A copy goes to the creditor and the garnishee (bank or employer). The creditor then has 8 business days (14 if mailed) to object, or the money is released. Source: Fla. Stat. § 77.041 |
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
- 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
How much of my wages can be garnished in Florida?
A head of family (someone providing more than half the support of a child or other dependent) has all disposable earnings of $750 a week or less fully protected. Earnings above $750 a week cannot be garnished either, unless the person signed a separate written waiver in the required form, and even then only up to the federal limit. For others, the federal limit applies (no more than 25% of disposable earnings).
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Florida?
A writ of garnishment against an individual comes with a 'Notice to Defendant' and a Claim of Exemption and Request for Hearing form. To protect exempt wages or money, the debtor fills out the form, has it notarized, and files it with the clerk within 20 days after receiving the notice. A copy goes to the creditor and the garnishee (bank or employer). The creditor then has 8 business days (14 if mailed) to object, or the money is released.
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.