Written by Jovan Johnson, Esq., Structured Settlement & Annuity Specialist
Updated August 31, 2026
If you’re receiving structured settlement payments in Florida and need cash now, you can sell some or all of your remaining payments — but Florida’s Structured Settlement Protection Act requires a court to approve the sale first. Here’s what selling a structured settlement actually involves in Florida, step by step.
Can I Sell My Structured Settlement in Florida?
Yes, you can sell a Florida structured settlement, in full or in part. Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 626.99296) requires: a written disclosure statement at least 10 days before you sign anything, a petition filed in circuit court, at least 20 days’ notice before your hearing, and a judge’s finding that the sale is in your best interest. You’ll also be advised of your right to independent professional advice, which you can waive in writing if you choose not to use it. Most sales close in roughly 45–60 days from signed agreement to funded payment.
See What Your Payments Could Be Worth
Every offer is different, and the only way to know what your specific payments are worth is to get an actual quote — not a generic estimate.
We work with attorneys and partners experienced in Florida structured settlement transfers to help sellers throughout the state. You’ll get a real quote based on your actual payment schedule, an explanation of the required disclosures before you sign anything, and guidance through the court approval process from people who handle these filings regularly. There’s no fee to get a quote, and requesting one doesn’t commit you to selling.
→ Request your free Florida structured settlement quote
What Is a Structured Settlement?
A structured settlement is a set of tax-free payments made on a regular schedule following a lawsuit settlement, typically funded through an annuity issued by an insurance company. Common sources include personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases. If you’d rather sell a different kind of payment stream, see our page on selling life-contingent payments or the general overview of selling a structured settlement.
Note: our funding partner does not currently purchase payment rights arising from workers’ compensation settlements.
How to Sell a Structured Settlement in Florida (Step by Step)
1. Get quotes from more than one factoring company
Industry-wide, discount rates on structured settlement purchases commonly run 9%–18%. Sellers who work with AnnuityFreedom.net’s network have accessed rates as low as 8% in qualifying cases — worth asking about when you compare quotes.
2. Receive your written disclosure statement — at least 10 days before signing
Under § 626.99296(3)(a)2, the buyer must give you a disclosure statement, in bold type no smaller than 14 points, at least ten days before you sign a transfer agreement. It has to show the amounts and due dates of the payments being transferred, the discounted present value, and every fee being deducted.
3. Sign the transfer agreement
Once you’re satisfied with the offer and disclosures, you sign the agreement — but the sale isn’t final yet. Florida’s statute is unusual: unlike most states, it doesn’t specify which county the petition must be filed in — the Florida Senate’s own bill analysis notes the law “is silent as to which court—or venue—the initial settlement transfer petition must be filed.” In practice, filings generally follow Florida’s general civil venue rules (typically the county where you live), but this is a genuine gap in the statute worth knowing about.
4. Your case is filed in circuit court
Under § 626.99296(3)(a), the petition is filed in a Florida circuit court.
5. Interested parties get at least 20 days’ notice before the hearing
- 626.99296 requires the buyer to file and serve notice of the proposed transfer on all interested parties at least twenty days before the scheduled hearing.
6. A judge reviews the sale at a court hearing
The judge must find that the transfer is in your best interest before approving it, taking into account your financial situation and the terms of the sale.
7. Funding — typically 45–60 days after you sign
Once the judge signs the approval order, the buyer funds your lump sum.
A Real Driver of Large Florida Settlements: The Central Florida Theme Park Industry
Central Florida is home to the largest concentration of theme parks in the world, drawing tens of millions of visitors a year. Florida is also one of the only states that requires major theme parks to report serious guest injuries to a state agency each quarter (Fla. Stat. § 616.242), since these parks are exempt from routine state ride inspections otherwise required of smaller attractions. That combination of massive visitor volume and a distinct legal reporting requirement makes Florida a real source of premises-liability and product-liability settlements tied to the attraction industry, which are sometimes structured.
If Something Goes Wrong: Florida’s Consumer Protection Resources
- Florida Department of Financial Services — handles complaints involving insurance companies and annuity issuers. myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/insurance, or call 1-877-693-5236.
Florida Structured Settlement FAQ
How long does it take to sell a structured settlement in Florida?
Typically 45–60 days, covering the 10-day disclosure period, the 20-day court notice period, and the hearing itself.
How much money will I get for my structured settlement?
It depends on the discount rate applied. Industry-wide, that’s commonly 9%–18%, though sellers who qualify through AnnuityFreedom.net’s network have accessed rates as low as 8% — plus how many payments you’re selling and how far in the future they’re scheduled.
Can I sell only part of my structured settlement?
Yes — Florida law allows partial transfers, so you can sell a portion of your payments and keep the rest on the original schedule.
Which court handles my case?
A Florida circuit court, per § 626.99296(3)(a).
Do I need my own lawyer to sell?
No. Florida requires that you be advised of your right to independent professional advice, but you can waive that right in writing if you choose not to use one.
Ready to Get a Real Number?
Now that you know how the process works, the next step is seeing what it means for your specific payments. Get a free, no-obligation quote and walk through the Florida court process with people who handle these filings regularly.
Sources
- Fla. Stat. § 626.99296 (Florida Structured Settlement Protection Act)
- Florida Department of Financial Services consumer complaint portal — myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/insurance
About the Author: Jovan Johnson, Esq. is a structured settlement & annuity specialist with 12 years of experience, based in California. He has also practiced as an attorney in consumer and small business bankruptcy and debt settlement. Annuity Freedom has been helping clients sell annuity payments since 2017.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for independent professional advice.