[FL] Can you recover money paid on a verbal promise of repayment if the other person later refuses to pay?

I understand that dealing with money owed can be quite stressful. Can you please provide some details about the amount in question and the nature of the debt?

Have you already attempted to resolve this matter directly with the other party, and if so, what was their response?

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your demand letter.

Hello, and thank you for reaching out! I’m Jon, a licensed attorney with over 14 years of experience, here to help. I understand legal matters can feel overwhelming, but you’re in good hands. My goal is to explain things clearly and guide you toward the best possible solution for your situation. Just a quick note: our conversation is for general legal information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Which state is this occurring in?

Thanks for sharing that. Could you tell me if there was any written communication, like emails or text messages, where your ex-girlfriend acknowledged the debt or agreed to repay you? This could be important for your case.

Was there any written communication, like emails or text messages, where your ex-girlfriend acknowledged the debt or agreed to repay you?

It sounds like you have some evidence of the agreement and her refusal to pay. Were there any specific terms or date(s) for repayment discussed?

Understood! I believe I have all the information I need. Is there anything else you’d like to add before I start working on your answer? If not, I’ll get started right away.

Got it! I just need a few minutes to put together a complete response for you. It shouldn’t take longer than about 4 to 5 minutes, and I want to make sure it’s clear and comprehensive. Thanks so much for waiting. I really appreciate your patience.

The draft demand letter that you can use is below. Since the amount involved is $2,700, the case falls within the limits of Florida Small Claims Court, which currently handles disputes involving up to $8,000.

The best next step is to send the letter by USPS Certified Mail with “Return Receipt Requested.” That gives you proof that she received the letter and shows the date it was delivered. Keep the certified mail receipt and delivery confirmation with your records in case you need them later.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

Date: May __, 2026

To: [Ex-Girlfriend’s Full Name]
[Ex-Girlfriend’s Address]

RE: DEMAND FOR PAYMENT FOR OUTSTANDING DEBT

Dear [Ex-Girlfriend’s Name],

This letter serves as a formal demand for payment regarding the outstanding balance owed to me for funds advanced on your behalf.

As previously agreed, I agreed to pay for your children’s bedroom furniture and summer camp expenses with the explicit verbal agreement and understanding that you would reimburse me in installments from your subsequent paychecks. The total amount advanced for these expenses is $2,700.00.

While you initially acknowledged this debt and agreed to the repayment terms, you have since indicated via text message that you refuse to pay me back. Please be advised that your subsequent refusal does not invalidate our initial binding agreement, nor does it absolve you of your legal obligation to repay these funds. I possess full receipts for both the furniture purchases and the summer camp registration, as well as our text communication documenting the dispute.

I have attempted to resolve this matter amicably, but to date, no payments have been made. While you previously stated an inability to pay, it has come to my attention that you have recently incurred significant discretionary travel expenses. As such, I am confident you have the financial capacity to resolve this debt, whether in full or through an established installment plan.

Please consider this a final opportunity to settle this matter without legal intervention. I demand payment in the amount of $2,700.00, or a signed, written agreement outlining a reasonable installment repayment plan, within fourteen (14) days of the date of this letter.

Payment can be made via [specify preferred method, e.g., certified check, Venmo, Zelle] to [Your Details].

If this matter is not resolved by May 30, 2026, I will immediately pursue all available legal remedies against you. This includes, but is not limited to, filing a claim in the Florida Small Claims Court, which covers claims up to $8,000. Please be aware that a legal judgment against you may subject you to additional court costs, statutory interest, and can negatively impact your credit rating.

I expect your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

You should also keep all of your evidence organized in one place. Print out the text messages where she admitted she would not pay you back, along with your response making it clear you did not agree to forgive the debt. Save any receipts related to the furniture and camp expenses as well. Under Florida law, oral agreements can still be legally enforceable, and text messages may be used as evidence to help prove the agreement existed and show the intent of both parties. Florida’s statute of frauds (FL Stat § 725.01), requires a signed writing only for certain categories of agreements, such as those that cannot be performed within one year, and a claim on an unwritten agreement generally must be filed within four years under (FL Stat § 95.11(3)(j)).

If May 30 passes and she still has not paid you or agreed to a clear payment arrangement, you can file a small claims case in [redacted: county name] or in the county where she lives (FL Stat § 47.011). Florida’s small claims process is designed to be straightforward enough that many people handle these cases without hiring an attorney.

I’m sorry, but there are no attorneys here for hire. To get the letter sent which is representation, you’ll need to reach out to a licensed lawyer in your area. But does that help clear things up for you? If you have any other questions or need more help, please don’t hesitate to ask!

I apologize, but unfortunately, there are no lawyers available online for hire. You will need to reach out to a local lawyer who can represent you and send the necessary documents on your behalf. But I do hope the information I provided was helpful and addressed your question. If there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to assist.