Collection agency in Florida: a guide for small businesses
A collection agency in Florida that mainly collects business debts must register with the state’s Office of Financial Regulation and keep a surety bond, so ask for proof before you sign. Florida gives you five years to sue on a written contract and four on an unwritten one, which makes speed less critical than in many states but still important.
What a collection agency in Florida does for a small business
When reminders and calls stop working, a collection agency takes over the account in its own name: it contacts the customer, locates businesses that have moved or stopped answering, negotiates payment or a plan you approve, and can refer the claim to a Florida attorney. Most agencies work on contingency. See what a collection agency does.
Florida registration rules for agencies that collect business debts
Florida law calls agencies that collect business-to-business claims “commercial collection agencies.” They must register with the Office of Financial Regulation, renew each year and provide a surety bond[source][source]. The statute lists exemptions, including agencies whose collection revenue is mostly from consumer claims, credit grantors collecting their own accounts, and out-of-state collectors as defined in the law[source]. Ask any Florida-based partner for its registration and check it with the Office before you place an account.
Florida filing deadlines for unpaid invoices
| Type of claim | Deadline to sue in Florida |
|---|---|
| Written contract | 5 years (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b)) |
| Unwritten contract, sale of goods, store account | 4 years (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)) |
| Judgment of a Florida court of record | 20 years (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(1)) |
Source: Fla. Stat. § 95.11[source]. Payments and other events can change the deadline; confirm yours with an attorney.
Small claims court or a collection agency in Florida?
Florida small claims court handles claims up to $8,000, not counting costs, interest and attorney fees[source]. It can work well for a single modest invoice from a customer you can find. For larger or multiple balances, silent customers or out-of-state debtors, an agency or collection attorney is usually more practical. Compare them in small claims vs. collection agency.
Already have a Florida judgment?
A judgment is a strong tool, but you still have to enforce it. See judgment collection for the steps.
How to choose a collection partner for a Florida customer
- Experience collecting from businesses, not just consumers
- Any license or registration the work requires (ask, then verify with the regulator)
- Contingency rate, minimums and any fees in a written agreement; see collection agency fees
- Attorney contacts in Florida if suit or judgment enforcement becomes necessary
- Trust-account handling and a regular remittance and reporting schedule
Not sure where to start? Read how to hire a collection agency, the questions to ask before you sign, or compare local and national agencies.
General information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and situation; ask a licensed attorney about yours.
Get matched: agency, attorney, AI or certified firm
Tell us about the unpaid invoice and choose a preferred option, or let us recommend one: AI/automated collection, a collection attorney, a collection agency (local or national), or an IACC member, CLLA-certified or ACA International member agency. Matching is free, and nothing is placed until you approve a partner’s written terms.
Prefer email? Write to [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Does a collection agency in Florida need to be registered?
If it is primarily engaged in collecting business claims and does business in Florida, Florida law generally requires registration with the Office of Financial Regulation and a surety bond, subject to listed exemptions. Ask for proof and verify it.
How long do I have to sue a Florida customer for an unpaid invoice?
Generally 5 years on a written contract and 4 years on an unwritten contract, including sales of goods and store accounts.
What is the Florida small claims limit?
Florida small claims rules cover claims up to $8,000, not counting costs, interest and attorney fees.
What does a collection agency in Florida charge?
Most charge a contingency percentage of what they recover, often higher for older or smaller balances. Get the rate, minimums and any legal costs in writing before placing the account.
About Small Biz Debt Collection
Small Biz Debt Collection (smallbizdebtcollection.com) is a free matching service that connects U.S. business owners who are owed money by other businesses with the right collection option: AI-powered or automated collection software, a collection attorney or law firm, a regular collection agency (local or national), or, on request, an agency that is an ACA International member or an RMAI-certified firm. We refer to agencies affiliated with the International Association of Commercial Collectors (IACC), the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA), including CLLA-certified agencies, and ACA International; credentials vary by partner, so please verify them. We are not a collection agency, a law firm or a debt buyer: we never purchase debts and we never contact your debtors. Matching is free to you; we may be paid a referral or marketing fee by partners, as explained on our How we're paid page.
Sources: Fla. Stat. § 559.544 (registration required; exemptions), Online Sunshine; Fla. Stat. § 559.546 (bond), Online Sunshine; Fla. Stat. § 95.11 (limitations), Online Sunshine; The Florida Bar, Florida Small Claims Rules (July 1, 2026 ed.), Rule 7.010 (accessed Oct 18, 2026).
Owed money by another business?
Tell us about the unpaid invoice and we’ll match you with an experienced collection partner suited to its size, age and location. Matching is free.
Get matched with a collection partner