(1) If a creditor has received a deposit or installment of the purchase price under an installment contract for the purchase of real or personal property from a member of the Florida National Guard who, after the date of the payment of such deposit or installment, is called into state active duty or active duty and has provided written notice to the creditor of the state active duty or active duty, the creditor may not exercise any right or option under such contract to rescind or terminate the contract or resume possession of the property for nonpayment of any installment due, or for any other breach of the terms of the contract occurring during the period of state active duty or active duty, except upon affirmative authorization by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(2) Upon hearing such action, the court may order the repayment of prior installments or deposits, or any part thereof, as a condition of terminating the contract and resuming possession of the property, or may, on its own motion, and shall, on application to it by such person in state active duty or active duty or some person on his or her behalf, order a stay of proceedings, unless, in the opinion of the court, the ability of the defendant to comply with the terms of the contract is not materially affected by reason of such service. Alternatively, the court may otherwise dispose of the case as is in the interest of all parties.

History.—s. 4, ch. 96-342; s. 32, ch. 97-96; s. 52, ch. 2003-68.