Standard Money Judgments

By

Michael Roussis

Michael Roussis

In general, most states provide by statute a lifespan for money judgments, as well as certain requirements to maintain the validity of judgments up to a maximum statutory period.

Money Judgments in Florida

In Florida, a judgment becomes a lien on real property when a certified copy of same is recorded in the public records of the county in which such property is located. In order to attach to real property, the judgment must contain the address of the person who has the lien, or a separate affidavit must be recorded simultaneously with the judgment setting forth such address.

Period of Judgment Validity

A certified, recorded copy of a judgment acts as a lien for an initial period of 10 years from the date of recording. Prior to the expiration of such 10-year period, the lien may be extended for an additional 10 years by re-recording a certified copy of the judgment together with an affidavit showing the creditor’s current address. The extension is effective beginning on the date on which the certified copy of the judgment is re-recorded. The lien from the monetary judgment cannot extend beyond the statutory maximum period of 20 years from the date of the entry of such judgment.