Releasing a Timeshare in Florida

Timeshare agreements are notorious for being expensive, misleading, and for making it very difficult for the buyer to get a timeshare release. Releasing yourself from a timeshare can be done, but it's not an easy process and you shouldn't expect to make any money – or to break even – when you do so. Laws regarding timeshares vary by state, but are more or less similar on the main points.

The Rules for a Florida Timeshare Release

If you live in Florida, you are protected somewhat by the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes, which is part of the Florida Division of Business and Professional Regulation.

• This division helps regulate and uphold rules regarding timeshares and the way in which they can conduct sales and operate contracts with purchasers.
• The Division's goal is to help safeguard consumers against misleading and illegal timeshare practices, and help protect Florida, which relies heavily on tourist income, from developing a bad reputation.

The Division holds many answers to common questions, and you should contact them if you're having trouble with a timeshare contract or if you wish to be released from an agreement for any reason.

In general, if you own a timeshare in Florida and if you're interested in being released from it, you should begin with an attempt to resell it. You'll probably be contacted by many agencies interested in helping you do so, and while some of these can be helpful and may take the responsibility of finding a buyer off of your shoulders, just as many are in the business to make money and you can very easily be scammed. Do your research on a resale company before you begin to work with them, and be extremely wary of any company that wants you to pay a fee upright before they will work with you. A reseller that asks for an upfront fee isn't necessarily scamming you, but if they are, you have little to no chance of getting the fee back later on.

In general, if you're attempting to get released from a timeshare, no matter where you live or where the timeshare is located, you'll be faced with some complications. In Florida, thanks to its heavy reliance on tourism, there are a few extra safeguards in place that assist the consumer, but are by no means a magic cure to the scamming and expenses that are abundant in the timeshare industry. Be cautious and stay informed.

Getting Help

If you believe you were scammed or tricked into the timeshare purchase, you may want to speak with an attorney. Your lawyer can explain to you what, if any, recourse you may have and can assist you in doing whatever is possible to secure a Florida timeshare release.