Florida Credit Freeze Laws

Credit report freeze laws allow consumers in certain states to block or limit access to the information in their credit file. Florida state credit freeze laws became effective July 1, 2006. A credit file security freeze does not prevent existing creditors and insurance agencies from accessing your credit file. Law enforcement agencies will also still have access to your frozen credit file.

Eligibility and Fees

All Florida consumers have the right to freeze their credit file. Senior citizens who are 65 and older or Floridians who are victims of identity theft need not pay the required $10 fee charged to other Florida consumers. The $10 fee is payable to each credit reporting agency for initiating the credit report freeze, removing the freeze or lifting the freeze temporarily.

Credit Freeze Documentation

In order to initiate a credit freeze, Florida law requires that the consumer provide specific documentation and proof of identity. Identification information includes the consumer's full name, current address, date of birth and Social Security number. If the consumer's current address is less than five years old, addresses for the prior five year time period are required. A utility bill is also required as proof of current address, in addition to a copy of the consumer's government issued identification, such as a driver's license. Identity theft victims must also enclose a copy of the police report.

How to Place a Freeze

Florida residents may initiate a credit freeze by sending a letter requesting the freeze along with the appropriate identifying information to all three credit reporting agencies. Copies of the necessary identification information, police report and payment, if required, must be sent by registered mail to the following agencies at the following addresses:

TransUnion Security Freeze

P.O. Box 6790

Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Experian Security Freeze

P.O. Box 9554

Allen, TX 75013

Equifax Security Freeze

P.O. Box 105788

Atlanta, GA 30348

Florida consumers may begin the credit freeze process online at each agencies website address, but identifying information is still required by registered mail.

Time-Frame

The credit report freeze must go into effect within five business days of receiving your letter, identification and payment. Within 10 business days, each agency must send the consumer a confirmation letter containing a personal identification number or password. A credit file freeze in Florida is permanent unless the consumer requests that it be temporarily lifted or removed. The personal identification number by accompany any lift and removal requests. Requests may be in writing, by phone or electronic correspondence as determined by the credit reporting agency.