Steps to Levy in Florida – Judgment Collection

A sheriff’s levy to satisfy a debt judgment in Florida involves several key steps. These steps ensure that the levy is carried out legally and fairly. Here’s an overview of the general procedure:

1. Obtain a Judgment: Before a levy can occur, the creditor must obtain a final judgment from the court. This judgment confirms the amount of debt the debtor owes to the creditor.
2. Issuance of Writ of Execution: After obtaining a judgment, the creditor must request a writ of execution from the court. This writ is a legal document that authorizes the seizure of the debtor’s assets. The court issues the writ, which is then directed to the sheriff or another law enforcement officer.
3. Identification of Assets: The creditor needs to identify the debtor’s assets that can be levied. These include bank accounts, personal property, real estate, and wages. In some cases, the creditor may already have information about the debtor’s assets; in other cases, they may need further investigation.
4. Serve the Writ to the Sheriff: The writ of execution is provided to the sheriff’s office. The sheriff is responsible for enforcing the writ, which includes identifying, seizing, and selling the debtor’s assets.
5. Levy of Assets: The sheriff, upon receiving the writ, will attempt to levy the debtor’s assets. This involves taking possession of the assets. For tangible property, this could mean physically removing items. For bank accounts, it involves freezing the accounts.
6. Notice to the Debtor: The debtor must be notified of the levy. This notice typically includes information about the levied assets, the amount of the debt, and the debtor’s rights, including the right to claim exemptions.
7. Sale of Levied Assets: Depending on the type of asset, the sheriff may arrange for the sale of the levied assets. This is often done through a public auction. The proceeds from the sale are used to pay the creditor.
8. Satisfaction of Judgment: If the proceeds from the sale of the assets cover the full amount of the debt, the judgment is satisfied. If the proceeds are insufficient, the creditor may continue to seek other assets for levy.
9. Report to Court: After the levy and sale, a report is typically filed with the court detailing the actions taken and the amounts recovered.
10. Distribution of Proceeds: The proceeds from the sale are distributed according to the priorities established by law. The creditor receives the amount due, and any remaining funds, after covering the costs of the sale and other legal fees, are returned to the debtor.

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Debtor Rights

Throughout this process, both the creditor and debtor have certain rights. Debtors, for example, have the right to claim exemptions on certain assets, protecting them from levy. The specific procedures and rights can vary based on individual circumstances and the type of assets involved.

About the Author

Gideon Alper is an attorney who specializes in asset protection planning. He graduated with honors from Emory University Law School and has been practicing law for almost 15 years.

Gideon and the Alper Law firm have advised thousands of clients about how to protect their assets from creditors.