FL S1514

Creates new personal property exemptions from legal process for medical debts owed to licensed facilities, including up to $10,000 in motor vehicle equity and up to $10,000 in personal property for those without homestead exemptions.

Requires licensed facilities to provide written cost estimates to patients within 7 business days after recommending a specific course of treatment, and prohibits charging more than 110 percent of the estimate unless unforeseen circumstances warrant excess charges with written explanation.

Mandates licensed facilities establish an appeal process for patients to dispute charges, with instructions prominently displayed on websites and itemized bills, and requires facilities to respond to appeals within 7 business days.

Defines "extraordinary collection actions" and prohibits licensed facilities from engaging in these actions (including debt sales, credit reporting, liens, foreclosure, wage garnishment, or civil suits) for care covered under the facility's financial assistance policy unless specific conditions are met.

Prohibits extraordinary collection actions before the facility makes reasonable efforts to determine financial assistance eligibility, before providing itemized bills, during ongoing appeals, or within 30 days of written notice of collection intent.