Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Florida

Past Time for a Past Due

I recently received a bill from a collection agency stating that I owed a past due amount of $692.30. I wrote them back asking for an itemized list of charges. When I received that letter I found out it was charges from a hospital emergency room visit from 2001. They have threatened that if I do not pay they will report me to a credit bureau. My question is 8 years later can they still collect on a hospital debt? I was told (by someone who isn't an attorney)that after 5 years they no longer have a case against me regarding medical charges. I recently bought a house and there was nothing on my credit that said I owed a collection agency or hospital an outstanding balance. I am wondering why after 8 years they are now trying to collect money. Do they have a case against me for a hospital debt 8 years later? Can my credit be blemished if I don't pay these charges? Is there any legal action that can be taken against me for non payment? What course of action would be best to take to resolve this situation?


Asked on 2/15/09, 7:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Brent Rose The Orsini & Rose Law Firm

Re: Past Time for a Past Due

The statute of limitations for medical debts in Florida is five years.

Federal law states that a bad debts cannot be placed on your credit when the debt is older than seven years and beyond the statute of limitations. So, legally, they can't put it on your credit. However, collection agencies often place things on people's credit illegally. You may consider using a credit monitoring service to make sure no negative information gets placed on your credit. If they do place negative information on your credit, you should immediately dispute the information.

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Answered on 2/16/09, 12:07 am


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