Florida Demand Letters
How They Work & How to Send One
In Florida, sending a demand letter is often the quickest way to push someone to take your claim seriously. This guide explains how demand letters work in Florida, when they should be used, and why they are an important step before filing in small claims court.
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Using a Demand Letter to Resolve Disputes in Florida
A demand letter in Florida is a formal written notice that explains the problem, what you want, and the deadline for a response. It’s a powerful way to show the other side that you’re serious without immediately going to court.
Floridians commonly use demand letters to recover security deposits, unpaid wages, or money from unfinished work and property damage. By sending one, you create a clear record of your effort to resolve the dispute. Judges in Florida small claims courts often ask if you tried to settle first, and presenting a demand letter can work in your favor.
If you’d rather not draft the letter yourself, Sue.com can prepare and mail a Florida-specific demand letter for only $39, giving you professional formatting and proof of mailing.
This Guide Covers:
What a demand letter is in Florida
Why and when to send one
Whether you need a lawyer
What happens after it’s mailed
Common Florida dispute examples
Step-by-step instructions to send one
What to do if it’s ignored
How we can help
Resources and FAQs
What Is a Florida Demand Letter?
A Florida demand letter is a written request that sets out the facts of a dispute, what you are demanding, and a specific deadline for compliance. It often warns that legal action will follow if the recipient does not respond.
In Florida, demand letters are especially important because County Court small claims judges (limit: $8,000) frequently look for proof that you made an effort to settle first. Even if your case later goes to court, the letter itself becomes valuable evidence.
Why Send a Demand Letter in Florida?
A demand letter is more than just a formality — it’s a tool that often saves you time and money.
Encourages fast resolution – Many landlords, contractors, or employers act quickly when they see a professional letter.
Avoids unnecessary costs – Court filing fees and missed workdays can be avoided if the issue is resolved at this stage.
Strengthens your case – If you do file in small claims, showing the judge that you sent a demand letter demonstrates good faith.
Creates a paper trail – Your letter becomes evidence if the dispute continues.
Since Florida’s small claims limit is $8,000, many disputes fall under this amount. A $39 demand letter is often the easiest way to move things forward.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Send a Demand Letter in Florida?
No. In Florida, you can write and send a demand letter yourself. Some attorneys do offer this service, but it often costs $1,500 or more for the same type of letter.
Most demand letters include the same elements:
A description of the dispute
The amount owed or action required
A firm deadline to respond
A warning of legal action if ignored
For straightforward disputes, hiring a lawyer is rarely necessary. Our service gives you the same professional structure for $39.
What Happens After a Demand Letter Is Sent in Florida?
Once sent, you may see one of several outcomes:
The other party pays or resolves the issue – the most common result.
They respond with a counteroffer or ask for more time.
They ignore it completely – which allows you to move forward with small claims filing.
They dispute your claim – but your demand letter still becomes part of your case record.
If the letter is ignored, you can file in Florida County Court Small Claims, where the maximum claim is $8,000.
What You Can Use a Florida Demand Letter For – Examples
Security deposits – A Miami tenant requests a $1,500 deposit back after moving out.
Unpaid wages – An Orlando employee asks for $2,800 in overtime pay.
Property damage – A Tampa resident seeks $3,000 for a fence damaged by a neighbor’s tree.
Breach of contract – A Jacksonville homeowner demands $5,000 from a contractor who abandoned the job.
Loan repayment – A Fort Lauderdale lender asks a friend to return a $1,200 loan.
Step-by-Step: Sending a Demand Letter in Florida
Gather receipts, contracts, and other supporting documents.
Draft the letter with details, demands, and a deadline.
Send it by certified mail with return receipt to prove delivery.
Keep a copy of the letter and mailing receipt.
Wait for a response (7–14 days is common).
Or let us do it for you: We’ll prepare and mail a Florida-specific demand letter for $39.
What Happens If They Ignore the Demand Letter?
If there’s no response:
You’ve documented your effort to resolve the dispute.
Judges in Florida small claims courts will see this as acting in good faith.
You can then file a claim in County Court Small Claims (up to $8,000).
How Sue.com Can Help
Our Florida Demand Letter Service gives you:
A Florida-specific letter drafted in a professional format
Certified mailing with proof of delivery
A digital copy for your records
A flat $39 cost — not $1,500+ like an attorney
Most disputes resolve after this step, but if they don’t, you’re ready for the next stage: small claims court.
Resources – Florida Demand Letters
Step 1
Answer a Few Simple Questions
Tell us what happened — who owes you, how much, and why. Our system guides you step-by-step with no legal jargon.
Step 2
We Draft Your Florida Demand Letter
Your answers are reviewed and used to create an attorney-drafted demand letter tailored to your case.
Step 3
We Mail It for You
We print and mail the Florida demand letter directly to the recipient via USPS — creating proof you attempted to resolve the matter before court.
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Got questions about how Sue.com works, what’s included in each package, or what happens after your letter is sent? We’ve got you covered — quick, clear answers to help you move forward with confidence.
Is a demand letter required before suing in Florida?
No, but judges usually expect it and may ask if you tried.
Do I need a lawyer to send one?
No. Lawyers may charge $1,500+ for a letter, but our service provides the same essentials for $39.
How should I send it?
By certified mail with return receipt to prove delivery.
How long should I give them to respond?
Typically 7–14 days.
What if they ignore it?
You can file in Florida Small Claims Court for up to $8,000.