Winning in court over an unpaid debt, broken contract or business dispute is a major step, but it is rarely the last. Instead, it usually marks the start of the legal process to recover what you are owed. If the person or business responsible has moved to Florida or owns property here, you will likely need to involve a local court before you can collect. This critical step is where a few common missteps can slow down or stop the process before it even begins.
Waiting too long to file in Florida
Enforcement is not automatic. You need to file the judgment and have it accepted by a local court before you can begin collection. Florida law gives you up to 20 years to enforce it after registration. However, if the original judgment expires in the issuing state before you take that step, you could lose the chance to collect.
Submitting incomplete or incorrect paperwork
To register a judgment, you must submit a certified copy of the original order and a sworn statement confirming that it is final, valid and unpaid. If you leave out a required document or make an error in the affidavit, the court may delay or reject the filing. Even minor issues in your paperwork can set the process back by weeks.
Filing without understanding local court procedures
Enforcing out-of-state judgments works differently depending on where you file. In Florida, each county may require different forms, formats or steps. If you try to file without knowing these local rules, you may run into unexpected hurdles that delay or block your case entirely.
Make your judgment count
A court ruling does not guarantee payment. When someone who owes you money lives in another state, collecting that judgment takes more than paperwork. You need to act on time, file accurately and understand how local courts handle out-of-state rulings. Avoiding these common mistakes keeps your efforts on track and protects what you have already won.
