Do third-party debt collectors need a license in Georgia?

Georgia does not have a general collection agency license for all third-party collectors. However, some collectors may need a license under the Georgia Industrial Loan Act depending on the nature of their collection activity. Original creditors collecting their own debts are generally exempt from licensing requirements.

Does the Georgia Fair Business Practices Act apply to commercial debt collection?

The Georgia Fair Business Practices Act (FBPA, OCGA §10-1-391) is primarily a consumer protection statute. It can apply to commercial transactions in cases involving deceptive or unfair practices. Georgia courts have extended FBPA protections to small businesses in some circumstances. Commercial collectors should maintain professional, honest communication standards in all Georgia collection activity.

B2B Debt Collection Laws in Georgia

Q: What is the statute of limitations for B2B debt collection in Georgia?

In Georgia, written commercial contracts have a 6-year statute of limitations (OCGA §9-3-24). Oral contracts are limited to 4 years (OCGA §9-3-25). Open account debts such as unpaid invoices also carry a 4-year period under Georgia law.

Overview

Georgia B2B Debt Collection Rules

Georgia is a major Southeast commercial hub with Atlanta serving as a center for logistics, technology, finance, and international trade. Georgia has a 6-year SOL for written commercial contracts — creditor-friendly by national standards. Oral and open account debts carry a shorter 4-year window.

Key distinction: The federal FDCPA does not apply to commercial debts. Georgia does not have a universal collection agency license — some collectors may need a Georgia Industrial Loan Act license depending on their business model. Georgia's Fair Business Practices Act can apply to commercial collection involving deceptive conduct.

Statute of Limitations

How Long You Have to Collect

Official Code of Georgia — OCGA §9-3-24 and §9-3-25

Georgia distinguishes between written and oral/open account obligations. Written agreements benefit from a generous 6-year window; oral contracts and open accounts are limited to 4 years.

Contract Type	Time Limit	Code Section
Written contract	6 years	OCGA §9-3-24
Oral contract	4 years	OCGA §9-3-25
Open account (invoices)	4 years	OCGA §9-3-25
Promissory note	6 years	OCGA §9-3-24

Important: Open account debts — including invoices not backed by a formal written contract — carry only a 4-year SOL. Always document B2B agreements in writing to secure the full 6-year window. The clock starts from the invoice due date or last payment date.

Licensing

Who Needs a License

Georgia Industrial Loan Act License

Georgia does not require a universal collection agency license for all third-party collectors. However, certain collection activities — particularly those involving purchasing or originating debt instruments — may require a license under the Georgia Industrial Loan Act.

No universal third-party collection agency license required in Georgia
Georgia Industrial Loan Act license may be required for some debt purchasers and lenders who collect
Original creditors collecting their own commercial debts do not require a license
Out-of-state agencies should verify whether their specific collection model requires licensure
Failure to obtain a required license can expose collectors to civil and regulatory penalties

How AgentCollect Handles This

AgentCollect maintains all required Georgia licenses and registrations
Clients do not need to obtain additional licenses to collect through AgentCollect
All required Georgia disclosures are built into every campaign

Key Regulations

Laws That Apply to B2B Collections

Georgia Fair Business Practices Act (OCGA §10-1-391)

Georgia's Fair Business Practices Act is primarily a consumer protection statute. However, Georgia courts have applied it to commercial transactions involving deceptive or unfair practices in some circumstances, particularly where small business owners are involved.

Prohibits deceptive, unfair, or misleading acts in trade or commerce
Can apply to commercial debt collection involving fraudulent or misleading conduct
Violations can result in actual damages and attorney fees
Best practice: follow FDCPA-like standards for all Georgia commercial collections

UCC Article 2 — Commercial Transactions

Georgia has adopted the Uniform Commercial Code, governing commercial sales transactions and providing the framework for B2B payment disputes.

Governs sale of goods between Georgia businesses
Allows contractual modification of remedies and payment terms
Commercial reasonableness standard applies to all collection activity

Interest on Commercial Debts

Georgia allows parties to contract for any interest rate on commercial debts. In the absence of a written agreement, Georgia's statutory rate applies.

Contractual rate: parties may agree to any rate in B2B contracts
Georgia legal rate: 7% per year if no rate is specified (OCGA §7-4-2)
Include explicit interest terms in all commercial agreements

AgentCollect Compliance

Automatic Georgia Compliance

Every AgentCollect account is pre-configured for Georgia's specific requirements. No manual setup needed.

Requirement	How AgentCollect Handles It
Contact hours (8am–9pm ET)	AI agents auto-detect Eastern timezone from area code. Never calls outside permitted hours.
Georgia licensing	AgentCollect maintains all required Georgia licenses. No client action needed.
SOL monitoring (6/4 years)	Written vs. open account SOL tracked per account. SOL flags are automatic.
FBPA compliance	All communications reviewed for compliance with Georgia Fair Business Practices Act.
Cease-and-desist	Immediately stops all contact. Account moved to legal review queue.

FAQ

Georgia B2B Debt Collection FAQ

What is the statute of limitations for B2B debt collection in Georgia?

Written commercial contracts in Georgia have a 6-year statute of limitations (OCGA §9-3-24). Oral contracts and open account debts — including unpaid invoices not backed by a formal written agreement — are limited to 4 years (OCGA §9-3-25). Document all B2B agreements in writing to secure the longer window.

Do third-party collectors need a license in Georgia?

Georgia does not require a universal collection agency license for all third-party collectors. However, some collection models — particularly debt purchasers — may require a Georgia Industrial Loan Act license. Original creditors collecting their own debts are generally exempt. AgentCollect maintains all required Georgia licenses.

Does Georgia's Fair Business Practices Act apply to B2B debt collection?

Georgia's Fair Business Practices Act (OCGA §10-1-391) is primarily a consumer protection statute, but can apply to commercial transactions involving deceptive or unfair conduct. Georgia courts have applied FBPA protections in commercial contexts involving small business owners. Commercial collectors should maintain professional communication standards.

What interest rate applies to overdue B2B invoices in Georgia?

Georgia allows any contractual interest rate for commercial debts. If no rate is specified in the agreement, Georgia's legal rate of 7% per year applies (OCGA §7-4-2). Include explicit interest terms in all commercial contracts to maximize recovery.

Is Georgia a one-party or two-party consent state for call recording?

Georgia is a one-party consent state for call recording. Only one party to the conversation needs to consent. AgentCollect provides a disclosure at the start of every call as a best practice regardless.

Commercial Debt Collection in Georgia