Consumer Protection Representation for Florida Consumers
Reviewed by David Farber · The Farber Law Firm, P.A. · Updated August 5, 2026
In short
Consumer protection representation enforces federal and Florida statutes that govern credit reporting, debt collection and unfair business practices. The FCRA requires reasonable reinvestigation of disputed credit entries within 30 days, the FDCPA limits collector conduct, and FDUTPA prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce.
Key facts at a glance
- Credit dispute reinvestigation
- Generally 30 days (15 U.S.C. 1681i)
- Debt collection conduct
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. 1692
- Florida collection statute
- Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act, Fla. Stat. 559.72
- Deceptive practices
- FDUTPA, Fla. Stat. 501.201 and following
- Statutory damages
- Available under several federal consumer statutes
- Who pays fees
- Prevailing consumers may recover fees under FCRA, FDCPA and FDUTPA
Who this is for
- Consumers denied credit, housing or a job because of an inaccurate report
- People whose credit file is mixed with another person's information
- Consumers facing abusive, repeated or misleading collection contacts
- Buyers misled by deceptive advertising, pricing or contract terms
Matters we handle
- Credit report inaccuracies and mixed files under the FCRA
- Background check and tenant screening errors
- Identity theft and fraudulent account reporting
- Debt collection harassment under the FDCPA and Fla. Stat. 559.72
- Unfair and deceptive trade practices under FDUTPA
- Consumer contract and warranty disputes
How the process works
- 1
Pull and review your reports
We identify each inaccurate item and which furnisher and bureau reported it.
- 2
Written dispute
A documented dispute to the bureaus triggers the reinvestigation duty under 15 U.S.C. 1681i and creates the record a claim needs.
- 3
Evidence of harm
Denials, higher rates, lost housing or employment and emotional distress are documented as they occur.
- 4
Demand
We present the violation and the harm to the furnisher, bureau or collector.
- 5
Litigation
Where the inaccuracy persists or the conduct continues, we file suit in the appropriate federal or state court.
- 6
Correction and recovery
The goal is both an accurate file and compensation for the damage the error caused.
Why disputing in writing matters
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a consumer's written dispute obligates the credit reporting agency to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation, generally within 30 days, and to forward the dispute to the furnisher of the information.
A phone call rarely creates the same record. The written dispute, the bureau's response and the furnisher's investigation are the core evidence in nearly every FCRA case.
What collectors may not do
- Call at times or places known to be inconvenient, including before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. locally
- Contact you directly once they know you are represented by counsel on the debt
- Use false, deceptive or misleading representations about the debt or the consequences of nonpayment
- Threaten action that cannot legally be taken or is not actually intended
- Under Fla. Stat. 559.72, assert a legal right the collector knows does not exist
Deceptive trade practices in Florida
FDUTPA, at Fla. Stat. 501.201 and following, prohibits unfair methods of competition and unconscionable, deceptive or unfair acts in trade or commerce. It reaches advertising, pricing, contract terms and sales conduct.
A FDUTPA claim generally requires a deceptive act or unfair practice, causation and actual damages. Prevailing parties may recover attorney fees, which changes the economics of small-dollar consumer claims.
Frequently asked questions
How do I fix an error on my credit report?
Dispute it in writing with each credit reporting agency that shows the error and include supporting documents. The agency generally has 30 days under 15 U.S.C. 1681i to reinvestigate and must forward the dispute to the furnisher. Keep copies of everything, since the paper trail is what supports a later claim if the error is not corrected.
Can I sue a debt collector for harassment?
Yes, when the conduct violates the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act. Those statutes provide for actual damages, statutory damages and attorney fees for prevailing consumers. Whether specific conduct qualifies depends on the calls, letters and records in your case.
What is FDUTPA and when does it apply?
The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce. Consumers who suffered actual damages from such conduct may bring a claim, and prevailing parties may recover attorney fees under the statute.
Does it cost anything to have a consumer case reviewed?
Consultations at The Farber Law Firm are free. Many consumer statutes provide for recovery of attorney fees from a violating party, and the specific fee arrangement for your matter is stated in a written retainer agreement.
Where we provide this service
The Farber Law Firm, P.A., 2199 Ponce de Leon Blvd #301, Coral Gables, FL 33134. We handle consumer protection matters for clients in Coral Gables, Miami, Miami-Dade County, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County and throughout Florida. Phone (888) 832-7237.
Sources and authority
- 15 U.S.C. 1681i — Procedure in case of disputed accuracy
- 15 U.S.C. 1692 — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
- Fla. Stat. 501.201 and following — FDUTPA
Florida statutes, court rules and agency guidance change. This page reflects authority the firm believes current as of the update date above and is general information, not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading it, and no result is guaranteed.
Related pages
Other service guides
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Free, confidential case review. Call 8888-FARBER · (888-832-7237)
Request a Free Case ReviewAbout the Author
The Farber Law Firm, P.A.
The Farber Law Firm is a South Florida trial practice based in Coral Gables, representing injured people, policyholders and businesses across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties since 1995. The firm handles personal injury, wrongful death, insurance coverage disputes and commercial litigation, and its attorneys are members in good standing of The Florida Bar.
Articles on this site are written and reviewed by attorney David Farber and reflect Florida statutes, court rules and Florida Bar regulations current as of the publication date.
- Office
- 2199 Ponce de Leon Blvd #301
Coral Gables, FL 33134 - Phone
- 8888-FARBER
- Consultations
- Free and confidential