DisputeKit / Florida
How to cancel a subscription that won't let you cancel in Florida
Florida Statutes § 501.165 requires a seller of a service contract with an automatic renewal provision to disclose it clearly and conspicuously and to allow the consumer to cancel in the same manner, and by the same means, that the consumer used to accept the contract; a violation makes the automatic renewal provision void and unenforceable.
What the law says
Under the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (15 U.S.C. § 8403), a business that sells a subscription online with automatic charges must provide a simple way for the consumer to stop recurring charges.
Cancel in writing
A written cancellation notice sent by email and certified mail creates a dated record that you cancelled. Ask for written confirmation and a refund of any charge made after your cancellation date.
If charges continue, dispute them with your card issuer and file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General, File a Complaint.
Steps
- Note the date you first tried to cancel
- Send a written cancellation notice
- Demand a refund of later charges
- Dispute charges with your card issuer if they continue
Common questions
What if they say I can only cancel by phone?
Florida Statutes § 501.165 requires a seller of a service contract with an automatic renewal provision to disclose it clearly and conspicuously and to allow the consumer to cancel in the same manner, and by the same means, that the consumer used to accept the contract; a violation makes the automatic renewal provision void and unenforceable. A written notice also protects you if a phone cancellation is never processed.
Can I get charges after cancelling refunded?
You can demand them in writing and dispute them with your card issuer. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.