Florida Debt Collection Laws

Debt collection is a common concern for millions of Floridians every day. Medical debt, student loans, and mortgages are among the most common types of debts for residents of the Sunshine State. Unfortunately, not all are able to pay their debts in full, leaving the concern of predatory debt collection agencies looming over their heads. 

Fortunately, with the help of a Florida debt collection attorney, Floridians are able to obtain the information and counsel they need to resolve some of their financial woes. Contact a lawyer from Sharmin & Sharmin P.A. today to learn more about abusive debt collectors and consumer protection in Florida. 

The Problem with Many Debt Collectors Today

As someone owes money to a given institution, such as a bank or hospital, they are required by law to make regular payments to them. These payments are much more convoluted, however, as many carry interest or demand amounts that are unable to be regularly fulfilled by the borrower.  When these debts are not paid, the creditor may send debt collectors to retrieve the money that is owed. These collectors go to great lengths to contact the borrower, sometimes even reaching out to friends and family members. This has been a source of controversy considering the extent to which the collectors will go to get money from people. 

The powers of debt collectors are still bound by law, despite what they may claim while in pursuit of someone’s assets. Sometimes, a debt collector may try repeatedly reaching out in the late or early hours of the day, even bugging borrowers’ families while they are at work and school. 

The Rise of Consumer Protection in Florida

Due to the predatory nature of many debt collection agencies, consumer protection laws have been established. These are referred to as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA, and are designed to protect everyday citizens from unnecessary harassment from debt collection agencies: 

• Debt collectors are prohibited from contacting a borrower between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. without their permission.
• Workplaces are blacklisted from places at which a collection agency can contact someone should they know of the establishment’s disapproval. 
• The frequency of contact with both the borrower and their family must be kept low enough so that it is not deemed harassment. 
• Collection agencies are required to provide written notice of the amount due within five days of the original date of contact.
• If the borrower requests that they not be contacted on the grounds that they do not owe any debt, the collectors may not continue to contact them. 
• False statements, misrepresentation, falsified documents, and other forms of manipulation are illegal under consumer protection law.

Sharmin & Sharmin Defending Consumers Daily

Sharmin & Sharmin is an experienced Florida law firm, proud of its achievements in consumer protection. With the help and guidance of a Florida debt defense lawyer, clients will be more equipped to practice their consumer protection rights and hold manipulative debt collectors accountable for their actions. Sharmin attorneys leverage the FDCPA and similar pieces of legislation for their clients to produce real results. Reach out to our firm today by sending us a message or calling us at 1-844-Sharmin.

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