Stop Wage Garnishments in Florida: What You Need to Know

Naomi Ayala
Aug 12
2 min read

If a creditor has secured a judgment against you, they may take legal steps to collect what is owed, often by garnishing your wages or bank account.

In Florida, wage garnishment can take up to 25 percent of your paycheck each pay period. In some cases, even your bank account or safe deposit box may be frozen to satisfy a debt.

Wage garnishment happens when a creditor obtains a court order directing your employer to withhold a portion of your income and send it directly to the creditor. These garnishments can have a significant impact on your household finances, leaving you scrambling to make ends meet.

But here’s the good news: You have rights, and there are effective legal strategies to stop a wage garnishment in Florida—often without needing to file for bankruptcy.

Know Your Rights and Legal Options

Wage garnishments in Florida are continuing garnishments, meaning they remain in effect until the entire judgment is satisfied. Fortunately, Florida law offers multiple exemptions that may protect your wages or assets from being garnished.

At The Ayala Firm, we’ve helped many individuals and families across Florida stop garnishments and take control of their finances. If you are facing wage or bank account garnishment, we can help you explore every possible legal defense available.

Common Florida Exemptions From Wage Garnishment

The first step in stopping a garnishment is determining whether you qualify for any of Florida’s 12 statutory exemptions. These include:

Head of household wages
Social Security benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Public assistance benefits
Workers’ compensation
Reemployment or unemployment benefits
Veterans’ benefits
Retirement, pension, or profit-sharing plans
Life insurance proceeds or policy value
Disability income
Prepaid college or medical savings accounts
Other specific legal exemptions

If you meet the criteria for any of these exemptions, the next step is to request a court hearing. During this hearing, we present clear evidence, such as tax returns, pay stubs, or bank records, to prove your qualification for protection under the law.

Don't Let Garnishments Disrupt Your Life

Wage and bank garnishments don’t just impact your paycheck—they affect your peace of mind. You don’t have to face creditors alone. We offer experienced, compassionate legal counsel and will fight to protect your rights.

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