Florida · FDCPA Cease & Desist
How to Stop Debt Collector Calls in Florida
Florida has two layers of protection against abusive debt collectors. The federal FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c)) mandates that third-party collectors stop contact upon written request. Florida's Consumer Collection Practices Act (Fla. Stat. § 559.72) goes further. It applies to original creditors as well, imposes stricter conduct rules, and provides statutory damages of $1,000 per violation plus attorney's fees.
Florida's FCCPA is stricter than the FDCPA and covers original creditors, collectors face $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.
Federal law
15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c) (FDCPA)
Florida state law
Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act
Fla. Stat. § 559.72
Florida-Specific Protections
Florida's Consumer Collection Practices Act (Fla. Stat. § 559.72) imposes stricter harassment prohibitions than the federal FDCPA. It covers original creditors and third-party collectors equally and prohibits contact at times or places known to be inconvenient to the debtor. Violations allow recovery of actual damages plus $1,000 statutory damages and attorney's fees.
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Auto-cites 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c) (FDCPA) and Fla. Stat. § 559.72. Formatted for USPS Certified Mail. Instant PDF download.
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Florida Debt Collector Cease & Desist FAQs
What's the difference between the FDCPA and Florida's debt collection law?▾
The FDCPA covers only third-party debt collectors. Florida's FCCPA (Fla. Stat. § 559.72) applies to all persons collecting consumer debts, including the original creditor (e.g., your bank or landlord), and includes additional restrictions on harassment and inconvenient-time contact.
What happens after a debt collector receives my cease-and-desist in Florida?▾
Under both the FDCPA and FCCPA, the collector must cease contact after receiving your written request. Violations of the FCCPA carry $1,000 in statutory damages per violation plus actual damages and attorney's fees under Fla. Stat. § 559.77.
Do I need a lawyer to send a cease-and-desist letter?▾
No for sending the cease-and-desist. If violations continue, Florida has an active plaintiff's consumer protection bar, many attorneys take FCCPA cases on contingency given the statutory damages.
Does a cease-and-desist letter actually stop debt collectors in Florida?▾
Yes. Florida collectors face both federal FDCPA and state FCCPA liability. A written cease-and-desist citing both statutes is a powerful signal that you will pursue available remedies.
Cease & desist rights by state
Laws change. Verify current rules with a consumer protection attorney or your state AG. kweldoc is a document drafting tool, not a law firm.