Abstract of Judgment in Florida
An abstract of judgment is a certified summary of a court judgment that, when recorded in a county's official records, creates a lien against the debtor's real property in that county. It is one of the primary tools judgment creditors use to secure and eventually collect on money judgments in Florida.
How Judgment Liens Work
Florida Statute Section 55.10 governs judgment liens. Recording the abstract in a county's official records attaches the lien to all non-exempt real property the debtor owns in that county. The lien also attaches to any real property the debtor acquires during the lien's 10-year life. To create liens in multiple counties, the creditor must record the abstract separately in each one.
Homestead Protection
Florida's constitutional homestead exemption limits the practical effect of judgment liens on primary residences. While the lien technically attaches to homestead property, it cannot be enforced through a forced sale. The lien remains dormant unless the debtor voluntarily sells the property, at which point the lien must be satisfied from the proceeds before clear title can pass to the buyer.
Related Terms
Barnes Walker Litigation
Barnes Walker's litigation attorneys assist creditors in enforcing judgments and debtors in protecting exempt property throughout Southwest Florida. Contact us for help with a judgment lien issue.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC