Among Florida borrower rights, the Florida borrower grace period stands out as one of the strongest consumer protections in the Deferred Presentment Act — and one worth understanding before you ever need it.
Quick answer: Florida borrowers who can’t repay a payday loan on time can request a 60-day no-charge grace period, but must schedule an appointment with an NFCC-affiliated credit counseling agency within 7 days and complete counseling within the grace period.
How the Florida Borrower Grace Period Works, Step by Step
- Before your due date, tell the lender in person that you can’t repay in full
- The lender must give you a list of approved credit counseling agencies affiliated with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
- Schedule an appointment with one of these agencies within 7 days of your original due date
- Complete the counseling within the 60-day grace period that follows
- Follow any repayment plan the counselor recommends, without added fees or interest
Other Protections Beyond the Florida Borrower Grace Period
- Florida law bans criminal-action threats over an unpaid loan and treats it as a civil matter, not a crime
- Loan agreements can’t include clauses waiving your legal rights or pre-authorizing a judgment
- Lenders can’t collect fees in advance or require additional security or a guarantor
- Renewing or rolling over the loan instead of using the grace period isn’t allowed — see our guide on Florida’s payday loan rollover rules for details
Where to Complain if These Rules Aren’t Followed
File a complaint with the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, which investigates licensing violations and improper collection practices by state-licensed lenders. For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to file a complaint with the OFR.
Frequently asked questions
No, you must notify the lender in person before the due date and complete the required credit counseling steps.
No, Florida law requires it at no added charge once you meet the counseling requirements.
That’s grounds for a complaint with the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
This article is educational and is not financial or legal advice. Before you borrow, check that the lender holds a license from the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR).