07/02/2026
Got served with a court summons by a debt collector in Florida? Read this before you do anything else.
Every year, millions of Americans are sued by debt collectors. Over 70% of those cases are won by the collector โ not because they proved the debt, but because the person being sued simply never responded.
In Florida, you have exactly 20 calendar days from the day you're served to file a written response. Weekends included. Miss that deadline and the court can enter a judgment against you automatically โ no hearing, no proof required from the collector โ giving them the legal right to:
๐ธ Garnish your wages
๐ฆ Freeze your bank account
๐ Place a lien on your property
Here's what most people don't realize: you may have more defenses than you think.
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Is the debt older than 5 years? Florida's statute of limitations may bar the lawsuit entirely
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Is the plaintiff a debt buyer you've never heard of? They must prove they actually own the debt โ and many can't
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Does the amount look inflated? They have to document every dollar of principal, interest, and fees
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Did the collector harass or threaten you? You may be able to countersue under federal law
And if you're being sued by multiple creditors at once, bankruptcy may be your most powerful tool โ the automatic stay stops every lawsuit, every garnishment, and every collection call the moment you file.
We just published a full guide explaining exactly what to do, step by step, if you've been served in Florida.
If this could help someone you know who's dealing with debt collectors โ please share it.
๐ Read the full guide: https://alexisgarcia.legal/sued-by-debt-collector-florida/
๐ Free consultation: (305) 428-2858 | Se Habla Espaรฑol