DATE:        December  1, 2004

TO:             Agency Addressed (No. 05, 2004-2005)

FROM:        Douglas A. Darling, Director
                    Division of Accounting & Auditing
                    Department of Financial Services

SUBJECT:   Judgment Interest Rate for the Year 2005

The Chief Financial Officer is required under Section 55.03(1), Florida Statutes (F.S.), to set the rate of interest that shall be payable on judgments and decrees beginning January 1^st of each year.  Sections 215.422(3)(b), 337.141(3) and 687.01, F.S., were amended to require the use of the interest rate established in Section 55.03(1), F.S., as follows:

• the payment of interest on late payments to vendors for goods and services       purchased by the State;

• the payment of interest on late payments for construction or maintenance contracts administered by the Department of Transportation; and

• cases where a rate of interest is not specified in a contract.

The interest rate established for calendar year 2005 has been set at 7.0% per annum or .0001918 per day, pursuant to Section 55.03(1), F.S.  The interest rate for payments to health care providers remains at 1% per month or .0003333 per day, pursuant to Section 215.422(13), F.S.  Rule 69I-25, Florida Administrative Code, establishes the procedures for computing the interest rate on an annual basis.  The current and historical interest rates are located on the Internet at www.dbf.state.fl.us/interest.html.

 Please call the Vendor Ombudsman Section at (850) 410-9724 or SC 210-9724 if additional information is needed.