Can a creditor garnish my bank account in Florida if it has Social Security money?

Use the free tool — Wage Garnishment Defense FL

What can be garnished from a bank account in Florida

Florida Statutes chapters 77 and 222 set out what a creditor can and cannot take from a bank account. Not every dollar in the account is automatically fair game.

Social Security funds
Wages already deposited
A $1,000 personal-property exemption
Head-of-family wages, if you provide more than half the support of a dependent — exempt entirely, automatically up to $750 a week, and above that unless you agreed in writing

Is Social Security money protected?

Social Security funds are listed among the bank-account protections under Florida law. This is general information, not legal advice — the exact protection depends on your notice and your situation.

Federal debts, such as taxes and student loans, and child-support orders follow different rules than an ordinary creditor's garnishment. If your debt is one of these, check with a professional or the agency involved before assuming the same protections apply.

The 20-day deadline

You generally have 20 days from the date of the notice to file a claim of exemption, computed under Florida Statutes chapter 77. File within that window even if you are not sure you qualify. Confirm the exact deadline and procedure with the clerk's office or floridalawhelp.org.

How to claim the exemption

The claim-of-exemption form is attached to the garnishment notice you received. It requires a sworn statement and must be filed with the clerk, with copies sent as instructed on the notice. If you need help completing it, floridalawhelp.org offers free assistance.

What happens at the hearing

If the creditor objects to your claim, a hearing is set under Florida Statutes chapters 77 and 222. This is general information, not legal advice, and it cannot predict the outcome of your specific case. Speak with a legal professional or floridalawhelp.org if you want representation.

What to do next

Paste your own garnishment or bank-account notice into the free tool. It reads your document and your numbers — the case number, the creditor, the date, and what's being held — and tells you which exemptions may fit, the exact 20-day date, and the claim-of-exemption steps. It is free, available in English and Spanish, and it is informational only, not legal advice. It does not file anything for you and is not affiliated with any court, creditor, or agency.

Use the free tool

Wage Garnishment Defense FL is an informational tool based on Florida Statutes chapters 77 and 222 and 15 U.S.C. 1673 as of 2025–26. It is not legal advice and does not file anything. Federal tax levies, federal student-loan administrative garnishments and child-support orders have separate rules and limits. It is not affiliated with any court, creditor or agency.