Judgments in Florida Civil Litigation
A judgment is the court’s final decision resolving a lawsuit and determining the parties’ rights and obligations. Understanding the types of judgments, their enforceability, and how they create liens on property is essential for both creditors and debtors in Florida.
Types of Judgments
- Default judgment: Defendant failed to respond
- Summary judgment: No genuine factual dispute; movant entitled to judgment as a matter of law
- Consent judgment: Entered by party agreement
- Judgment after trial: Based on evidence at trial
Enforcement
- Enforceable for 20 years (Section 55.081)
- Renewable for additional 20 years
- Tools: garnishment, levy, supplementary proceedings
- Interest accrues at statutory rate (set quarterly by FL CFO)
Judgment Liens
- Created by recording certified copy in county official records
- Attaches to non-exempt real property in that county
- Homestead property exempt (Article X, Section 4)
- Must record in each county where debtor owns property
Related Terms
- Lien — Property encumbrance
- Garnishment — Wage/account seizure
- Homestead Exemption — Creditor protection
Barnes Walker Litigation
Barnes Walker’s attorneys obtain and enforce judgments in civil and commercial cases throughout Southwest Florida. Request a legal inquiry for assistance.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC