Debt Collection Bill Giving Florida AG More Authority Heads to Governor for Signature

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today applauded the passage of the Debt Collection Bill (SB 2086/HB 7233), which received bi-partisan support and a final vote of 114-0.

“As our economy continues to decline, more and more Floridians are faced with unpaid bills and mounting debt,” said Attorney General McCollum. “I appreciate the efforts of Senator Richter, Representative Patterson and Representative Grady to ensure that proper safeguards are in place to protect Florida consumers from abusive debt practices.”

The bill, supported by the Attorney General as a legislative priority, will now head to the Governor for his signature.

This legislation strengthens the debt collection statute by allowing the Attorney General authority to pursue violations of the debt collection statute. It also enhances the Office of Financial Regulation’s ability to pursue debt collection agencies involved in bad practices.