Understanding Florida Collector Fees

Summary

In Florida, debt collectors can charge a reasonable fee, but it should be specified in the original contract. Condo associations can charge late fees for unpaid dues and must provide written notice of any fees. Proof of mailing is a receipt or document from a postal service that confirms an item was mailed. If you believe the fees are unjustified, you can dispute them. To request debt validation, you should send a written letter to the debt collector within 30 days of their initial contact. Even if youre past the 30-day window, you can still request debt validation. According to Florida Statutes Section 720.3085(3), payments are applied first to interest, then late fees, costs and attorney’s fees, and lastly to the delinquent assessment.

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Collector fee.
What type of collector fee are you referring to? Is it related to debt collection, tax collection, or something else?
I payed debt, but amount went towards collector fee
What is the location of your debt collection issue? This will help me provide you with the most accurate information.
Winter Springs, Florida
Florida
What type of debt was this related to?

In Florida, debt collectors can charge a reasonable fee, but it should be specified in the original contract.
Condo fee
In Florida, condo associations can charge late fees for unpaid dues. Did you have a written agreement about the debt collection process with your condo association?
No, I was not aware of this Condo fee.
Did you receive any written notice about the condo fee before it was sent to collections?

In Florida, condo associations must provide written notice of any fees.
Not received, they said they have send it.
Did you check with your condo association if they have any proof of sending the notice? In Florida, it's required to provide proof of mailing for any fee notice.
I pay another condo fee for same property, I received Welcome letter from this association and everything else and paying everything in time
Did the association provide any proof of the additional condo fee notice being sent to you?
No welcome letter or any other letter.
In Florida, condo associations are required to provide written notice of any fees. If they can't provide proof of mailing, you may have a case. Consider contacting a local attorney.
What is proof of mailing
Proof of mailing is a receipt or document from a postal service that confirms an item was mailed. It typically includes the date of mailing and recipient's address.
ok
Have you considered seeking legal advice regarding this matter?

Explanation: A local attorney can help you understand your rights and possible courses of action.
Is it legal with collectors fee of $* per each send letter?
In Florida, debt collectors can charge a reasonable fee, but $* per letter seems excessive. Have you asked for a breakdown of these fees?
I will ask
That's a good step. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of any fees charged. This can help you understand what you're being charged for and if it's justified.
And if I don’t not think it‘s justified?
If you believe the fees are unjustified, you can dispute them. In Florida, you have the right to request validation of the debt and challenge any fees you believe are excessive.
How can I request validation?
To request debt validation, you should send a written letter to the debt collector within 30 days of their initial contact. The letter should ask for proof of the debt and breakdown of the fees.
unfortunately I am past due of 30 days
Even if you're past the *-day window, you can still request debt validation. However, the collector may continue collection efforts while validating the debt.
Do I still have rights
Yes, you still have rights. In Florida, you can dispute the debt, request a breakdown of fees, and seek legal advice if you believe the fees are unjustified.
Is there any state or government regulated fee label or debt collector can charge as much as they want?
In Florida, debt collectors can charge a reasonable fee, but it should be specified in the original contract. Excessive fees can be disputed.
what is reasonable fee?
A reasonable fee generally refers to a charge that is not excessive or overly high, considering the services provided. However, what is considered "reasonable" can vary and is often determined on a case-by-case basis.
I really don’t know what to do now, they chard $* per letter and in total $* for fee
What type of letters were these and how many did you receive? In Florida, fees should be reasonable and not excessive. You may want to consult with a local attorney.
i received Balance due letter from Becker and Poliakoff
What was the total amount of the debt before the collector's fees were added?
First latter May31. Anual Main. fee $*.*, Interest *.*, Certif. Registered Mail $*.* and ‘Legal’ Fees $*
Did you receive any other letters from Becker and Poliakoff, or was this the only one?
Two more
What were the contents and charges of the other two letters you received from Becker and Poliakoff?
July *
What were the charges and contents of the letters you received on July * from Becker and Poliakoff?
Anual Main. fee $*.*, Interest *.* Certif. Registered Mail $*.* and ‘Legal’ Fees $*
What were the charges and contents of the third letter you received from Becker and Poliakoff?
August * Anual Main. fee $*.*, Interest *.* Certif. Registered Mail $*.* and ‘Legal’ Fees $*,*
What actions have you taken so far in response to these letters from Becker and Poliakoff?
I went to condo associations office and payed association/maintenance fee.
I went to condo associations office and payed association/maintenance fee. I went I went to condo associations office and payed association/maintenance fee in June. I received third letter this weekend I I I went to condo associations office and payed association/maintenance fee in June and I found out today that that amount covered some of the collectors fees and that I still have a due.
Did you receive a receipt or any form of acknowledgement for the payment you made at the condo association's office in June?
Yes
What does the receipt or acknowledgement state about the payment you made?
Regular receipt for condo fee
Did the receipt specify that your payment was applied towards the collector's fees?
No
Did you communicate with the debt collector or the condo association about your payment and how it was applied?
No
It's important to communicate with the debt collector about your payment. Did you inform them that you've already paid the condo fee at the association's office?
On the last August letter they stated that I payed but not for the association fee
Did you clarify with the condo association or the debt collector about why your payment was not applied to the association fee?
Condo association explained that according to Florida law this payment I made is going first to Becker &Polikoff. Is this true?
In Florida, payments are often applied to the oldest charges first. However, it's best to consult with a local attorney or the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for specific advice.
Hi
Hello! How can I assist you further with your legal issue?
Do you know about Homeowners Association Act, Section *.*(*)
Yes, Florida Statutes Section *.*(*) states that payments towards a debt shall be applied first to interest, then to late fees, then to costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, and finally to the delinquent assessment.
So payments are not applied to oldest charge first
Correct, according to Florida Statutes Section *.*(*), payments are applied first to interest, then late fees, costs and attorney’s fees, and lastly to the delinquent assessment.
so this is Florida law
Yes, that's correct. Florida Statutes Section *.*(*) is part of Florida law. It outlines the order in which payments are applied towards a debt.
Is it mandatory to have sign agreement regarding how fee between me and hoa?
What state are you located in? The rules regarding HOA fees and agreements can vary by state.
Florida
In Florida, it's not mandatory to have a signed agreement regarding HOA fees. However, it's recommended for clarity and dispute prevention.
There is no signed agreement or proof of mailing invoices to me
What actions has the HOA taken regarding the fees? In Florida, HOAs can place a lien on your property for unpaid fees, even without a signed agreement.
They trying to collect fee via debt collector
What is the amount they are trying to collect and have you received any written notice from the debt collector?
$* for Hoa fee, interest fee and debt collector fee which is now $*
Did you receive a detailed breakdown of these charges from the debt collector? In Florida, debt collectors are required to provide this.
no
Did the debt collector provide you with a written notice of your right to dispute the debt within 30 days of their initial communication?
yes
What was your response to the debt collector's notice about your right to dispute the debt?