Stop struggling with credit card payments — we negotiate directly with creditors
Florida's Most Common Debt Problem — and How to Solve It
Credit card debt is the number one reason people contact our firm. It is also the most common type of unsecured debt in Florida, with the average household carrying over $8,000 in credit card balances. When minimum payments barely cover the interest, it can feel like you are running on a treadmill that never stops.
Here is what most people do not realize: you do not have to pay the full balance. Credit card companies regularly accept settlements for significantly less than what is owed — especially when a licensed attorney is negotiating on your behalf. Our firm has settled thousands of credit card accounts, and we know exactly how each major creditor operates, what settlement ranges they accept, and how to push for the best deal.
Whether you owe $5,000 on a single card or $80,000 spread across multiple accounts, our attorneys build a strategy designed to reduce your total debt and get you to a resolution as quickly as possible. If a creditor sues you during the process, we defend you in court at no extra charge.
Your Options for Credit Card Debt Relief
Every situation is different. Here are the main paths available to Florida residents.
Debt Settlement
Our attorneys negotiate directly with your credit card companies to accept a reduced lump-sum payment — typically 40 to 60 percent less than the full balance. This is the most effective option for resolving large balances without bankruptcy. Settlements are final: once accepted, the creditor closes the account and the remaining balance is forgiven.
Best for: Balances over $7,500
Lawsuit Defense
If a credit card company or debt buyer has already filed a lawsuit against you, time is critical. You have 20 days to respond in Florida. Our attorneys file your answer, assert all applicable defenses, and negotiate from a position of legal strength. Many cases settle during litigation for far less than the original claim.
Best for: Accounts in active litigation
Debt Consolidation
A consolidation loan combines multiple credit card balances into one payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. You still owe the full amount, but the single payment and reduced rate can make things more manageable. This works best if you have fair-to-good credit and steady income to support the new loan.
Best for: Good credit, manageable total debt
Minimum Payments Only
Paying minimums keeps your accounts current but barely reduces principal. On a $10,000 balance at 24% APR, minimum payments alone could take over 30 years to pay off and cost more than $20,000 in interest. This is not a relief strategy — it is how credit card companies maximize profits at your expense.
Outcome: Decades of payments, massive interest
What Happens When You Stop Paying Credit Cards in Florida
Understanding the timeline helps you make informed decisions about when to act.
30-60 Days Late
Late fees are added to your account. The creditor reports the delinquency to credit bureaus. You start receiving collection calls and letters from the card issuer's internal recovery department. Your credit score begins to drop.
90-180 Days Late
The account is typically "charged off" — the creditor writes it off as a loss for accounting purposes. This does not mean you no longer owe the money. The account may be transferred to an internal collections department or sold to a third-party debt buyer. Calls intensify.
6-12 Months
The original creditor or a debt buyer may hire a collection law firm to pursue the balance. You may receive a demand letter from an attorney. This is often the last step before a lawsuit is filed. This is the ideal time to engage our attorneys — we can often negotiate settlements before litigation begins.
Lawsuit Filed
The creditor or debt buyer files a civil complaint in your county court. You are served with a summons and have 20 days to respond. If you do not respond, a default judgment is entered against you automatically. Our lawsuit defense attorneys can file your response and begin negotiating immediately.
Judgment & Garnishment
With a judgment in hand, creditors can pursue wage garnishment (up to 25% of disposable income), bank account levies, and property liens. In Florida, head of household exemptions and homestead protections may apply — but you must assert them. Once a judgment is entered, your options narrow significantly. Do not wait until this stage.
Don't Wait for Wage Garnishment
The longer you wait, the fewer options you have. Talk to our attorneys today about resolving your credit card debt before it escalates to lawsuits and garnishment.
How We Settle Credit Card Debt
Our attorneys have negotiated settlements with every major credit card issuer. Over years of practice, we have developed relationships and a track record that gives us leverage at the negotiation table. Here is what the process looks like:
We review your accounts and prioritize them. Not every creditor negotiates the same way. Some, like Discover and Capital One, tend to be more aggressive about litigation. Others, like Synchrony and certain debt buyers, are often willing to accept deeper discounts. We create a strategy that addresses the most urgent accounts first.
We contact each creditor directly. Because we are a law firm, all communication is attorney-to-attorney or attorney-to-creditor. This immediately changes the dynamic. Creditors know that an attorney-represented debtor is more likely to fight a lawsuit, which makes settlement more attractive for them.
We negotiate aggressively. Our goal is to settle each account for the lowest amount the creditor will accept. Typical settlements range from 40 to 60 percent of the balance, though some accounts settle for even less depending on age, documentation quality, and the creditor's internal policies.
You approve every settlement. We never agree to terms without your authorization. You see the offer, understand the numbers, and decide whether to accept. Once you approve, we finalize the settlement and the creditor provides written confirmation that the account is resolved.
Can Credit Card Companies Garnish My Wages in Florida?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer depends on your specific situation. Here is what Florida law says:
A credit card company cannot garnish your wages without first obtaining a court judgment. That means they must file a lawsuit, win (or obtain a default judgment because you did not respond), and then petition the court for a writ of garnishment.
However, Florida provides meaningful protections even after a judgment is entered:
- Head of Household Exemption: If you provide more than half the financial support for a child or other dependent, your wages are 100% exempt from garnishment for consumer debts under Florida Statute 222.11. You must file a claim of exemption with the court to assert this protection.
- Homestead Protection: Your primary residence in Florida is protected from forced sale by judgment creditors, regardless of the property's value. This is one of the strongest homestead exemptions in the country.
- Exempt Funds in Bank Accounts: Wages, Social Security benefits, disability payments, and other exempt income deposited into your bank account retain their exempt status under Florida law. Our attorneys can help you assert these protections if a creditor attempts a bank levy.
The key takeaway: do not ignore a lawsuit. If you respond and assert your exemptions, Florida law provides significant protection. If you ignore it, you lose the ability to raise those defenses. Our debt lawsuit defense attorneys ensure your rights are protected from day one.
Credit Card Debt Relief FAQs
Common questions about settling credit card debt in Florida.
How much can I save on credit card debt through settlement?
Most credit card debt settlements result in paying 40 to 60 cents on the dollar — meaning you could save 40 to 60 percent of your total balance. The exact amount depends on the creditor, the age of the debt, and your financial circumstances. During your free consultation, we can estimate potential savings based on your specific accounts.
Will settling credit card debt affect my credit score?
Settled accounts may appear on your credit report as 'settled for less than full amount,' which can temporarily lower your score. However, if your accounts are already delinquent or in collections, settlement often has minimal additional impact. Most clients see their credit scores recover within 12 to 24 months after completing the program.
Can credit card companies sue me in Florida?
Yes. Credit card companies and the debt buyers they sell accounts to can file lawsuits in Florida courts. You typically have 20 days to respond after being served. If you do not respond, the court can enter a default judgment allowing wage garnishment and bank levies. If you have been sued, contact our attorneys immediately — we provide full lawsuit defense.
What happens to my credit cards during the debt relief program?
The accounts enrolled in the program will typically be closed by the creditor. You will not be able to use those cards during or after the program. However, this is often already the case for accounts that are delinquent or in collections. Once your debts are resolved, you can begin rebuilding credit with new accounts.
How long does credit card debt settlement take?
Most credit card debt settlement programs take 12 to 36 months to complete, depending on the number of accounts and the total balance. Some individual accounts can be settled in as little as a few weeks once negotiations begin. We work to resolve your debts as quickly as possible.
Do I need to be behind on payments to qualify?
Not necessarily, but creditors are generally more willing to negotiate settlements when an account is delinquent. If you are current on payments but struggling to keep up, our attorneys can evaluate your situation and advise on the best timing and approach for your circumstances.
Can I settle credit card debt on my own without an attorney?
You can try, but most people achieve significantly better results with attorney representation. Creditors are more willing to negotiate substantial reductions when they are dealing with a law firm that can challenge their claims in court. Our attorneys also protect you from lawsuits during the process — something you cannot do on your own.
What credit card companies do you negotiate with?
We negotiate with all major credit card issuers including Chase, Capital One, Discover, Citibank, American Express, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Synchrony, and others. We also work with debt buyers like Midland Credit Management, Portfolio Recovery Associates, and LVNV Funding who may have purchased your account.
Trusted by Floridians
Numbers that speak for themselves.
Stop Letting Credit Card Debt Control Your Life
Our attorneys have settled thousands of credit card accounts for Florida residents. Find out how much you could save with a free, confidential consultation.