559.725 – Consumer complaints; administrative duties.
559.725 Consumer complaints; administrative duties.— (1) The office shall receive and maintain records of correspondence and complaints from consumers concerning any and all persons who collect debts, including consumer collection agencies. (2) The office shall inform and furnish relevant information to the appropriate regulatory body of the state or the Federal Government, or The Florida Bar in the […]
559.726 – Subpoenas.
559.726 Subpoenas.— (1) The office may: (a) Issue and serve subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of all books, accounts, records, and other documents and materials relevant to an investigation conducted by the office. The office, or its authorized representative, may administer oaths and affirmations to any person. (b) Seek subpoenas […]
559.727 – Cease and desist orders.
559.727 Cease and desist orders.—The office may issue and serve upon any person an order to cease and desist and to take corrective action if it has reason to believe the person is violating, has violated, or is about to violate any provision of this part, any rule or order issued under this part, or any […]
559.730 – Grounds for disciplinary action; administrative remedies.
559.730 Grounds for disciplinary action; administrative remedies.— (1) Each of the following acts constitutes a ground for which the disciplinary actions specified in subsection (2) may be taken against a person registered or required to be registered under this part: (a) Failure to disburse funds in accordance with agreements. (b) Fraud, misrepresentation, deceit, negligence, or incompetence in a collection […]
559.77 – Civil remedies.
559.77 Civil remedies.— (1) A debtor may bring a civil action against a person violating the provisions of s. 559.72 in the county in which the alleged violator resides or has his or her principal place of business or in the county where the alleged violation occurred. (2) Any person who fails to comply with any provision of […]
559.553 – Registration of consumer collection agencies required; exemptions.
559.553 Registration of consumer collection agencies required; exemptions.— (1) A person may not engage in business in this state as a consumer collection agency or continue to do business in this state as a consumer collection agency without first registering in accordance with this part, and thereafter maintaining a valid registration. (2) Each consumer collection agency doing business […]
559.78 – Judicial enforcement.
559.78 Judicial enforcement.—In addition to other penalties provided in this part, state attorneys and their assistants are authorized to apply to the court of competent jurisdiction within their respective jurisdictions, upon the sworn affidavit of any person alleging a violation of any of the provisions of this part. Such court shall have jurisdiction, upon hearing and […]
559.554 – Powers and duties of the commission and office.
559.554 Powers and duties of the commission and office.— (1) The office is responsible for the administration and enforcement of this part. (2) The commission may adopt rules to administer this part, including rules: (a) Requiring electronic submission of forms, documents, and fees required by this part. (b) Establishing time periods during which a consumer collection agency is barred from […]
559.785 – Criminal penalty.
559.785 Criminal penalty.—It shall be a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, for any person not exempt from registering as provided in this part to engage in collecting consumer debts in this state without first registering with the office, or to register or attempt to register by means […]
559.5541 – Examinations and investigations.
559.5541 Examinations and investigations.— (1) Notwithstanding s. 559.725(4), the office may, without advance notice, conduct examinations and investigations, within or outside this state, to determine whether a person has violated this part or related rules. For purposes of this section, the office may examine the books, accounts, records, and other documents or matters of any person subject […]