Expert: Richard Stolp - 8/5/2010

Question
I just received a bill from the Florida juvenile justice.  They said they were doing an audit and frond they didn't bill me for my son's home detention back in 2004 and they gave me 30 days to pay it.  Can they go back that far?  If I don't pay what could happen?

Answer
While I don't have any knowledge of the Florida laws on collections - I can give you general advice. If you don't pay the bill (I would advise calling them and asking what your options are) - I would guess they could issue a ticket or something similar to a traffic ticket that would have to be paid. If it wasn't paid during the initial time period the amount usually gets penalties added that can sometimes double the bill. Call them and ask.

Since it's been six years - you may not have to pay because the bill is too old. Most bills like that have a kind of expiration date that is usually around five years - but you would have to ask someone familiar with Florida law to see it that would apply in your case.

Best of luck.