Can I go to jail for not paying a debt?

The answer is almost always NO.

A judge will not put you in jail for not paying most debts. You can go to jail for not paying child support and for money owed to the IRS if there is criminal fraud involved.

Usually, if you owe money, a creditor can take you to court and ask the judge to issue a judgment against you. This includes unpaid debt on credit cards, medical bills, student loans, car loans, and home loans.

After a judgment is issued, the creditor can request that your assets be garnished or seized. Certain assets are protected from seizure.

Free Help with Landlord-Tenant Issues

Are you a Hillsborough County renter having housing problems? Help is available!

The Hillsborough County Housing Stability Program provides Hillsborough tenants the knowledge, resources, and services to effectively, efficiently, and amicably solve their disputes with their landlords outside the court system.

Learn More & Apply

Need information about available Family Law forms and the legal process?

The Legal Information Center is a free program to provide information to people who are representing themselves in Family Law cases in Hillsborough County. Get the information you need to make an informed decision about your case.

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Upcoming Legal Clinics

See All Clinics

Campbell Park Legal Clinic

Typically, every Monday 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and every Wednesday 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Location

Pinellas

The Campbell Park Legal Clinic is a free program that provides housing and family law advice and assistance to residents in St. Petersburg, FL (Pinellas County).

Medical-Legal Partnership with Bay Pines VA

Various days and times

Location

Virtual,

Hillsborough,

Pasco,

Pinellas,

Manatee,

Sarasota

The Medical-Legal Partnership with Bay Pines VA provides free legal assistance to veterans, and spouses or adult children of a veteran, who receive medical care at the Bay Pines VA or live in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties

Medical-Legal Partnership with James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital

Typically, the first and third Friday of the month.

01:00 pm - 04:30 pm

Location

Virtual,

Hillsborough

The Medical-Legal Partnership provides veterans enrolled for care at Haley with access to free legal advice, intervention, and representation when they cannot otherwise afford a lawyer.

Apply for Services

If you live or have a case in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas or Sarasota counties, we may be able to help.

How do I apply? Am I eligible?

Call (800) 625-2257 to apply for service.

Or complete our online application and we will call you back.

Florida Senior Legal Helpline: (888) 895-7873

Florida Veterans Legal Helpline: (866) 486-6161

TTY: (800) 955-8771