January 6, 2026 11:32 pm
My ex lives in Florida and I live in Missouri. My ex is a very wealthy individual which will become relevant later in the post. My ex and I broke up almost a year ago but they continue to harass me by constantly sending unwanted text, numerous calls, reaching out on social media, sending things to my apartment, etc. They go between begging for me back to being angry with me, telling me about all the new people they’re dating who are so much better than me, calling me out my name, threatening to come to my city etc back to begging for me again.
I have blocked them on texts, socials etc but they would have different phones, uses texting apps etc to continue to contact me. I have asked them to stop several times and have said I would get the police involved if they don’t stop but they stated they do not care.Sometimes they go quiet but circle back just as I’m starting to relax. I was finally thinking it was over until the new year where they reached out and I made the mistake of responding and telling them to leave me alone which apparently fueled them to do the opposite.
Ever since then it’s been non stop. I finally reached my breaking point after the individual reached out to my family and friends who then begin flooding me with texts and calls and screenshots. Only then did I truly get pissed off because bothering me is one thing but for my ex to reach out to them is another. I emailed his parents and included screenshots of everything and now he wants to pay me off.
Part of me feels like I’m past the point of money because at this point I really want him to learn he is not invincible and he cannot just get away with this kind of stuff. But I do want to know If I were to accept any form of payment does that mean I agree to not pursue legal action? Or could that come off as extortion? Thanks for your help in advance
I’m very sorry to hear that you are going through this. I hope this post gives you some security, as you do have options to protect yourself against this type of harassment.
What you describe fits a protection order fact pattern:
The Florida page you linked specifically lists stalking, including cyberstalking, as conduct covered by these protections, described as repeated harassment that causes substantial emotional distress.
It also lists repeat violence (at least two incidents, with one in the past six months) and dating violence (a continuing and significant romantic or intimate relationship) as bases people use to seek protection.
What the process can look like in Florida:
For urgent situations, the page says a temporary restraining order may be granted as soon as you file, and then the judge typically sets a court date within two weeks to hear both sides, after which the court may enter a longer-term injunction for protection.
About taking money, waiver, and “extortion” risk:
Accepting money only waives your rights if you agree to that in writing, like a release, dismissal, or “no further action” clause. Do not sign anything you do not fully understand.
Be careful how you communicate. Florida’s extortion law covers threats to accuse someone of a crime or injure their reputation with intent to obtain money or compel action.
Practical takeaway: do not say or imply “pay me or I will go to police” or “pay me or I will file.” Keep payment discussions separate from reporting and protection.
Next steps that help in real life:
Save everything (screenshots, call logs, social messages, packages, messages to friends and family), stop responding, and consider pursuing a protective order based on the stalking or harassment pattern described above.
Sean Smallwood
Attorney at Law
phone
website
Sean Smallwood, Orlando Divorce & Family Law P.A.
address
390 N. Orange Ave., Suite 2300
Orlando, FL 32801
January 15, 2026 7:47 pm
If I decide to file for a Florida injunction for stalking or cyberstalking, do I have to travel to Florida for the hearing, or are there situations where the court allows remote appearances since I live out of state?