Florida Statutes 559.548 – Penalties
Current as of: 2024 | Check for updates
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(1) Each of the following acts constitutes a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084:
For details, see Fla. Stat. § 775.082(3)(e) and Fla. Stat. § 775.082(4)(b)
(a) Operating or soliciting business as a commercial collection agency in this state without first registering with the office, unless specifically exempted by this part.
Attorney's Note
Under the Florida Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Felony of the third degree | up to 5 years | up to $5,000 |
| misdemeanor of the second degree | up to 60 days | up to $500 |
Terms Used In Florida Statutes 559.548
- Commercial collection agency: means any person engaged, as a primary or secondary business activity, in the business of soliciting commercial claims for collection or in the business of collecting commercial claims, asserted to be owed or due to another person, regardless of whether the collection efforts are directed at the primary debtor or some other source of payment. See Florida Statutes 559.543
- Fraud: Intentional deception resulting in injury to another.
- Office: means the Office of Financial Regulation of the commission. See Florida Statutes 559.543
(b) Registering or attempting to register by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment.
(2) Each of the following acts constitutes a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083:
(a) Relocating a business as a commercial collection agency, or operating under any name other than that designated in the registration, unless written notification is given to the office and to the surety or sureties on the original bond.
(b) Assigning or attempting to assign a registration under this part.
(3) The court may, in addition to other punishment provided for, invalidate the registration of any registrant under this part who has been found guilty of conduct prohibited in subsection (1) or subsection (2).