The bill amends Section 559.72 of the Florida Statutes, which outlines prohibited practices for individuals attempting to collect consumer debt. A significant change is the introduction of a provision that allows email communication outside of the previously restricted hours of 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., provided that such communication complies with the section's other regulations. This update acknowledges the evolution of communication methods since the original law was enacted, aiming to reduce the invasiveness of debt collection practices by differentiating between telephone calls and emails.
Additionally, the bill reenacts several related statutes to ensure they incorporate the amendments made to Section 559.72. These include provisions regarding enforcement actions against out-of-state debt collectors, consumer complaints, civil remedies, and definitions relevant to debt collection practices. The overall intent of the bill is to modernize and clarify the legal framework governing debt collection in Florida, enhancing consumer protections while adapting to contemporary communication methods.
Statutes affected: S 232 Filed: 559.72
S 232 c1: 559.72
S 232 c2: 559.72
S 232 er: 559.72