Florida Governor Approves Consumer-Friendly Legislation Sponsored By Haitian-American Representative

North Miami – A garnishment bill sponsored by Representative Ronald Brisé was signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. The new law goes into effect on October 1, 2010 and will impact Floridians whose wages may be garnished for a debt owed.

The consumer-friendly legislation, which was supported by Florida Legal Services, increases the salary qualification to be exempt from garnishment. Under Florida law, someone whose wages support children may be exempted from a court-ordered deduction from their wages to repay a debt if that person earns $500 or less per week or $24,000 a year. The new law will expand the exemption to head of household earnings of $750 or less per week or $36,000 a year. Rep. Brisé stated:

“I applaud Governor Crist for finding merit in this good piece of legislation and helping to provide many parents much-needed protection from court-ordered deductions. I thought it was very important to also include a notice which will inform Floridians of their right to an exemption. It’s one thing to have the exemption into law but it’s just as important for Floridians to be aware of this law.”

Representative Ronald Brisé

Garnishment law was created to provide protection for heads of households who are paying more than half the support of dependent(s) from court-ordered deductions from their wages. In 1993, the Florida Legislature passed exemption of wages from garnishment for those making equal or less than $500 a week.

In addition, the legislation includes consumer protection guidelines in form of an agreement to inform consumers of exemption from garnishment.

“By adjusting the threshold, many new families will be able to receive the benefit of this exemption. While I am a strong advocate of fiscal responsibility and personal responsibility, I do understand that without such exemptions, many of Florida’s children would experience harsh living conditions.”