In the United States, the prevailing party may seek enforcement of a judgment while appeal is pending, but a court may stay enforcement pending resolution of the appeal. The enforcement process is governed by state law and these laws vary by state. Some states require that a judgment be registered, others require the judgment creditor to file a new civil lawsuit for enforcement or obtain a writ of execution. In California, the California Sheriff’s Department is responsible for enforcing judgments. In Florida, the clerk of court issues a writ of execution ordering the sheriff to seize property or funds.