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Florida Judgment Enforcement Specialist - Judgments Don't Pay Themselves
Belua Capital
Florida Judgment Enforcement Specialist
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Florida Judgment Lien Process

A Florida judgment lien is a recorded interest that attaches to debtor property. Personal property liens are filed with the Florida Department of State under §55.202, F.S.; real property liens are recorded in county official records under §55.10, F.S. Initial lien term is 10 years, with renewal available before expiration.

Two Types of Florida Judgment Liens

Lien Type Statute Where Filed Initial Term Renewal
Personal property §55.202, F.S. Florida Department of State (Judgment Lien Certificate) 5 years One 5-year renewal
Real property §55.10, F.S. County Official Records (each county where debtor owns or may own property) 10 years Re-record before expiration

How to Record a Florida Judgment Lien

  1. Obtain certified copy. Order from the clerk of the issuing court. Must include final-judgment language.
  2. Personal property — file with Department of State. Submit a Judgment Lien Certificate (JLC) form with required information: judgment, debtor identification, judgment amount. Filing fee applies.
  3. Real property — record in county. Record the certified copy of the judgment in the official records of every Florida county where the debtor owns or may acquire real property.
  4. Subsequent counties. If the debtor moves or acquires property in additional counties, record in those counties too.
  5. Renew before expiration. Personal property JLC renews once for 5 years; real property liens require re-recording before the 10-year mark.

People Also Ask

How do I file a judgment lien in Florida?

Personal property: file a Judgment Lien Certificate with the Florida Department of State under §55.202. Real property: record a certified copy of the final judgment in the official records of each Florida county where the debtor owns property under §55.10.

How long does a Florida judgment lien last?

Personal property liens (Department of State filing) last 5 years initially with one 5-year renewal available — total 10 years. Real property liens (county recording) last 10 years initially and require re-recording before expiration to maintain priority.

Does a Florida judgment lien attach to homestead?

Florida's homestead protection under Article X §4 of the Florida Constitution is among the broadest in the country. Most consumer judgment liens cannot force sale of homestead property, but a recorded lien may attach if the property loses homestead status.

Where do I file a judgment lien in Florida?

For personal property, file with the Florida Department of State (Division of Corporations) — single statewide filing. For real property, record with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in each county where the debtor owns real property. Each county is a separate recording.

Hold an Unpaid Florida Judgment? Lien It First.

Lien recording is step 2 of the 8-step recovery process. We handle filings, county research, and renewals.

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About the Licensed Specialist. Belua Capital is operated by a Florida Private Investigator License C 2700700 Florida Remote Online Notary W882582. Belua Capital is a managed affiliate of ArcXet Group. Information on this site is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Engagements are governed by a written agreement specifying fees, costs, and assignment terms. Information on this site is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Engagements are governed by a written agreement specifying fees, costs, and assignment terms.

Last reviewed: April 2026