Protected Consumer Report Security Freeze (minors under 16 and represented persons)

Florida Protected Consumer Freeze Law

Credit reporting · Children · Financial

Lets a parent, guardian, or other representative freeze the credit file of a child under 16 or a represented adult. If no file exists, the agency must create a 'record' so it can be frozen. Agencies may not charge a fee to place or remove the freeze.

Where: Florida
Citation: Fla. Stat. 501.0051
Status: In force
In force since: 2014-09-01
Last amended: 2021-06-16
Enforced by: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; private civil actions
People can sue: Yes
Penalties: Administrative penalties by the department for violations (501.0051(12)); aggrieved persons may bring civil actions, including against anyone who obtains a protected consumer's report or record under false pretenses (501.0051(13)).
Applies to: Consumer reporting agencies, for 'protected consumers': people under 16 when the request is made, or persons represented by a guardian or advocate under chapters 39, 393, 744, or 914 (501.0051(1))

Rights it gives people

A representative may freeze a protected consumer's report, or have a record created and frozen if none exists, by providing proof of authority and identification.Fla. Stat. 501.0051(2)-(3)

Practices it requires

Place the freeze within 30 days of confirming the request's authenticity and send written confirmation within 10 business days.Fla. Stat. 501.0051(4)-(5)
Do not charge any fee to place or remove a protected-consumer freeze.Fla. Stat. 501.0051(9)

Breach duties

If frozen information is released without authorization, notify the representative in writing within 5 business days of discovery.Fla. Stat. 501.0051(11)

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-09-25 by research agent (Claude), primary sources.

Research reference, not legal advice.