States’ Payday Lending Reforms: Just Smoke and Mirrors?
Consumer advocates say the payday lending reforms instituted in various states have failed to adequately address the problems of borrowers. For example, under Florida’s payday reform law, borrowers are limited to one outstanding loan at a time, may not roll over a loan and must wait 24 hours after paying off a loan before taking out another. But lenders have found ways around each of these provisions. They have circumvented the rollover bans by allowing consumers to repay their existing loan and take out another the next day. It is also possible for customers to avoid the cooling-off period entirely by simply borrowing from a different lender. Suzanne Martindale, an attorney with Consumers Union, says meaningful reform will likely require greater national oversight from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.