If you’re receiving nonstop calls, threatening voicemails, or intimidating messages from a debt collector, you are not alone — and more importantly, you have legal rights.
At Licznerski Law, PLLC, we regularly help Floridians who are being harassed, misled, or pressured by debt collectors who cross the legal line. Many consumers don’t realize that what they’re experiencing isn’t just frustrating — it may be illegal.
What Counts as Debt Collection Harassment?
Debt collectors are regulated under both federal and Florida law. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (FCCPA) strictly limit what collectors can say and do.
Common examples of illegal collection activity include:
- Repeated or excessive phone calls meant to harass or intimidate
- Calls before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
- Threats of arrest, lawsuits, wage garnishment, or criminal charges
- Using obscene, abusive, or profane language
- Contacting your employer, family, or friends about your debt
- Misrepresenting the amount owed or pretending to be law enforcement or attorneys
- Continuing to contact you after you’ve asked them to stop or after you’ve hired an attorney
If any of this is happening, the collector may already be violating the law.
You Have the Right to Say You Can’t Pay — and to Demand Proof
Many consumers are unaware that you are legally allowed to say you cannot afford to pay a debt. A collector may not threaten, shame, or harass you simply because of financial hardship.
You also have the right to say:
- “I dispute this debt.”
- “I request validation of the debt.”
- “I refuse to pay until proper verification is provided.”
Once you request validation, the collector must stop collection efforts until they provide proper documentation proving the debt is legitimate and collectible.
You Can Also Demand That All Communication Go Through Your Lawyer
If you have an attorney, you may tell the debt collector:
“I am represented by counsel. Please direct all future communication to my attorney.”
Once notified, the collector must stop contacting you directly. Any continued calls, texts, or letters after that point may constitute a separate legal violation.
Florida Law Provides Strong Consumer Protections
Florida law offers some of the strongest consumer protections in the country. Under the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act, consumers may be entitled to:
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Statutory damages
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
In many cases, this means you can pursue your claim without paying anything out of pocket, because the law allows your attorney’s fees to be recovered from the debt collector.
How Licznerski Law, PLLC Can Help
At Licznerski Law, PLLC, we represent consumers throughout Florida who are being harassed, misled, or bullied by debt collectors. We understand the tactics collectors use — and we know how to stop them.
If you’re dealing with aggressive or unlawful debt collection practices, you don’t have to face it alone.
📞 Call: (813) 406-0782
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.licznerskilaw.com
Contact Licznerski Law, PLLC today for a confidential consultation.
We’ll explain your rights, review your situation, and help you take back control.