Individuals • Florida
Florida Judgment Collection FAQ
Winning in court is only step one. These are the real questions people have once the judgment is entered—and real answers.
Why didn’t the debtor have to pay automatically after I won?
A judgment gives you the legal right to collect—but Florida courts do not enforce payment for you.
The debtor is not required to send money unless enforcement pressure begins.
Collection only happens when lawful steps are taken to compel payment.
What does “judgment enforcement” actually mean?
Judgment enforcement is the process of using legal tools to apply pressure so the debtor must address the judgment.
This may involve targeting assets, income, bank activity, property interests, or forcing disclosure of financial information.
How long does it take to collect a judgment in Florida?
There is no fixed timeline. Some cases move quickly when leverage is obvious.
Other cases take longer and require persistence and follow-through.
What matters most is whether enforcement steps are actually initiated and maintained.
What if the debtor claims they have “nothing”?
“Nothing” usually means nothing visible right now.
People change jobs, open accounts, buy property, start businesses, and move money.
Many judgments that appear dead become collectible later when enforcement resumes.
Can old judgments still be collected?
Yes. Many old judgments were never properly enforced.
Debtor circumstances change over time, and older judgments often deserve renewed attention.
Dormant does not mean worthless.
Do I need a lawyer to collect my judgment?
Not always. It depends on the enforcement steps required and the complexity of the case.
We explain what’s needed, what’s realistic, and when legal involvement makes sense.
How does “No Recovery, No Fee” work?
Many individual cases qualify for contingency-based enforcement.
That means if no money is recovered, there is no collection fee.
We explain upfront whether your case qualifies and what costs—if any—may apply.
Still Have Questions About Your Judgment?
Start with a free evaluation. We’ll tell you what’s realistic and what the next move should be.