Privacy Law Library

Consumer Report Security Freeze

Florida Security Freeze Law

Credit reporting · Financial

Lets Florida consumers freeze their credit reports so agencies cannot release them to third parties without the consumer's authorization. Agencies must place freezes within 5 business days, lift them temporarily within 3 business days, and remove them within 3 business days of a request.

Where
Florida
Citation
Fla. Stat. 501.005
Status
In force
In force since
2006-07-01
Last amended
2018-07-01
Enforced by
Private civil actions; Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
People can sue
Yes
Penalties
Willful noncompliance makes the agency liable for actual damages of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 per consumer plus costs and attorney's fees; obtaining a report under false pretenses carries similar liability (501.005(16)).
Applies to
  • Consumer reporting agencies (as defined in FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681a(f)) holding reports on Florida consumers (501.005(1))
  • Excludes check services companies, deposit account information services, and certain resellers (501.005(15))

What a privacy notice must say

  • While a freeze is in effect, send written confirmation within 30 days of any change to the consumer's name, address, date of birth, or Social Security number.Fla. Stat. 501.005(14)
  • Include a written summary of Florida freeze rights in FCRA file disclosures to Florida residents.Fla. Stat. 501.005(10), (17)

Rights it gives people

  • Consumers may place a security freeze that bars release of their consumer report or credit score to third parties without express authorization.Fla. Stat. 501.005(1)-(2)

Practices it requires

  • Place a freeze within 5 business days of request, confirm it in writing within 10 business days, and issue a PIN or password.Fla. Stat. 501.005(3)-(4)
  • Temporarily lift a freeze within 3 business days of a proper request and remove it within 3 business days of a removal request.Fla. Stat. 501.005(6), (11)

Sources

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

Research reference, not legal advice.