Florida judgment interest FAQ
Plain-English answers about the general calculation method used by the public estimate calculator.
How does Florida set the judgment interest rate?
The Florida Chief Financial Officer publishes a statutory judgment interest rate for each calendar quarter. The quarter containing the judgment date determines the initial rate used by this general calculator.
Does an existing Florida judgment change rates every quarter?
Under the general rule in section 55.03(3), the rate is adjusted annually on January 1. Later quarterly publications do not change an existing judgment again during that calendar year.
Does this estimate include payments or credits?
No. The launch calculator uses only the judgment amount, judgment date, and calculation-through date. Payments, credits, added fees, and amended judgments can change the actual balance.
Is Florida judgment interest simple or compound?
This general calculator uses simple interest and does not add accrued interest to principal.
Is this a certified payoff amount?
No. It is a general estimate based on published statutory rates and the information entered. Review the judgment and account history before relying on the result.
What daily rate does the calculator use?
It uses the daily-rate decimal published by the Florida Department of Financial Services for the applicable rate period. It does not recalculate the daily rate from a rounded annual percentage.
Why can the estimate differ from a payoff statement?
The actual balance may include payments, credits, costs, fee judgments, contractual terms, amendments, appellate changes, or a different accrual convention. The calculator has only three inputs and cannot screen for those facts.
What happens if the judgment date is before July 1, 2011?
The launch calculator does not estimate judgments entered before July 1, 2011. Earlier judgments involve prior statutory rate structures that are outside the current general model.
Can the calculator handle a contractual interest rate?
No. It applies Florida's general statutory rate model. Review the judgment or underlying contract when it states a different rate.
Where can I verify the official rates?
Use the Florida Department of Financial Services judgment-interest rate table linked on every calculator result and on the rates page.