How long do I have to collect a debt?

How long you have to collect a debt depends upon whether or not the agreement creating the debt is in writing or is simply an oral agreement. Under Florida law, you have five years to enforce an obligation founded on a written instrument.

You have four years to enforce an obligation founded on an agreement that is not in writing.

Now, that time frame begins to accrue when the cause of action arises, which is typically when the first payment was missed on the debt.