Updated on 3/26/2024
This article helps plaintiffs and attorneys alike learn more about lawsuit loans and alternatives in Florida. Below you will find the following information:
Lawsuit loan companies serving Florida
Below you will find a list of companies that provide funding in Florida. We highlight lawsuit loan companies we recommend, as well as local and regional funding companies where applicable.
Recommended lawsuit loan companies funding Florida residents
We recommend the following companies for plaintiffs residing in Florida.
Our pick for low rate lawsuit loans
USClaims offers some of the lowest, non-compounding rates in the industry. Many companies claim to offer “the lowest rates in the industry” – we recommend comparing them against an offer from USClaims to see for yourself.
Our pick for fast lawsuit settlement loans
Thrivest Link Legal Funding offers reasonable funding terms often with simple, non-compounding rates. Their expert underwriting allows them to fund larger sums than many of their competitors. They frequently approve claims for funding within 24 hours.
See our full list of recommended companies here.
Lawsuit funding laws, regulation, and relevant ethics opinions in Florida
Florida has a pending bill that seeks to regulate lawsuit loans in the state. The bill would allow the Florida Department of State to regulate the industry. Florida case law has upheld lawsuit lending agreements where the lender did not interfere with or direct the litigation. The Florida Bar allows lawyers to honor a client’s assignment of proceeds from their case to a lawsuit cash advance company but disallows lawyers from issuing a letter of protection to the company. Most legal funding companies provide their services to Florida residents and many use an alternate acknowledgment letter that complies with Florida Bar’s position on lawsuit loans.
Laws regarding lawsuit loans in Florida
See FL SB 7041 (2021). The Florida house proposed to “require litigation financiers to register with DOS & file surety bond; provides requirements & rulemaking authority for DOS; provides requirements for litigation financing contracts; provides for assignment of contingent rights to civil action or claim proceeds; specifies the priority of liens; authorizes litigation financiers to assess specified interest, fees, & charges; provides that violations are deceptive & unfair trade practices.” The bill died in the house.
Source: FL SB 1750 – Litigation Financing Consumer Protection
Legal funding case law in Florida
In Kraft v. Mason the appellate court affirmed the stance that the agreement between Kraft (borrower) and Mason (lender) was not champertous. The court indicated that Mason had not interfered with nor stirred up litigation.
Source: Kraft v. Mason
Can a lawyer lend money to a client in Florida?
A Florida attorney cannot grant plaintiffs financial assistance. However, they can advance litigation expenses. Advanced expenses are only repaid if the case is successful.
Source: Florida Bar Ethics Opinion 96-1
Can attorneys help clients receive lawsuit loans in Florida?
Attorneys may give clients information about non-recourse funding companies to meet their financial needs.
Source: Florida Bar Ethics Opinion 00-3
Lawsuit loan alternatives in Florida
Lawsuit loans are expensive. Plaintiffs in Florida should exhaust all other options before seeking legal funding. Check out the local resources below for some ideas:
- Temporary Cash Assistance – is available to families with children under 18 (or 19 if enrolled in high school full-time) that meet income requirements. Participation is limited to 48 months as an adult. You may be required to enroll in a work program or complete qualifying work activities.
- Section 8 and Subsidized Housing in Florida – includes options for low-cost public housing as well as how to apply for a housing voucher to assist with paying your rent.
- Florida Food Banks – Feeding Florida – visit this website to find a list of food banks and locate one that services your area. You may need to verify your residency to participate in this program.
- Help Paying For Utilities in Florida – if you need assistance to help pay for home heating and cooling, LIHEAP can help. You will need to provide proof of income and residency to determine eligibility.