Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Florida

Whether on your own or with the assistance of an attorney, you should absolutely respond to the complaint within the time frame given on the Summons (usually 20 calendar days). Getting an attorney for this kind of matter is also advisable. A good attorney will be able to negotiate with the creditor to possibly lower the balance you owe and/or set up a feasible payment plan for you. If you fail to respond and the creditor gets a judgment against you, they will be able to proceed with attempting to garnish your wages, bank account etc. If they have gone this far in suing you, they'll likely not go away until they have used all of the available legal remedies against you. Best of luck.

Retain counsel familiar with collection proceedings.