Out-of-State Judgments

Domestication of a judgment refers to the process of bringing a judgment obtained in another state against a person or corporation with assets in Florida to the state of Florida for enforcement. In this context, “foreign” pertains to any state other than Florida. To collect a judgment from another state, you must go through the procedure outlined in the Florida Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act (FEFJA). The FEFJA governs the recognition and enforcement of out-of-state judgments within Florida’s jurisdiction. It provides a streamlined method for individuals or entities seeking to enforce a judgment that was originally obtained in a different state. By following the requirements specified in the FEFJA, you can effectively domesticate the judgment and pursue the collection of the owed debt or damages in Florida. If you have secured a judgment in a different state against a debtor or party with assets located in Florida, the domestication process allows you to avail yourself of Florida’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms to satisfy the judgment. This process spares you from initiating a new lawsuit in Florida, as the FEFJA offers a more efficient means to enforce the existing out-of-state judgment. By adhering to the procedures outlined in the Florida Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, you can effectively domesticate the judgment, enabling you to access the full range of enforcement tools available in Florida to collect the debt or damages awarded in the original judgment. This process ensures that individuals and corporations with Florida assets fulfill their obligations under the judgment and provides a mechanism for you to obtain the restitution or compensation you are entitled to.