Q: How can I seek compensation for building Paragon Talent Group's Speakers Division in Florida?

A: Apologies for the cliché, but it’s important: no attorney–client relationship is established by this answer. Please treat it as general information, not tailored legal advice.

First, Florida recognizes both written and oral contracts. A contract requires an offer, acceptance, consideration, and definite essential terms. See In re Std. Jury Instructions—Contract & Bus. Cases, 116 So. 3d 284, 304–06 (Fla. 2013). Oral contracts can be enforceable if the terms are clear and the agreement could be performed within one year. Rubenstein v. Primedica Healthcare, Inc., 755 So. 2d 746, 748 (Fla. 4th DCA 2000). However, if essential terms such as compensation are left open, courts often find no enforceable contract. Barnes v. Diamond Aircraft Indus., 499 F. Supp. 2d 1311, 1316 (S.D. Fla. 2007). Emails or texts may help; Florida courts have held that even a typed name in an email can satisfy the Statute of Frauds in some circumstances. US IRON Fla., LLC v. GMA Garnett (USA) Corp., 660 F. Supp. 3d 1212, 1224 (N.D. Fla. 2023).

If no enforceable contract exists, you may have a claim for unjust enrichment. Florida courts require proof that you conferred a benefit, that PTG knew and accepted it, and that it would be inequitable for PTG to retain it without paying. Commerce P’ship 8098 Ltd. v. Equity Contracting Co., 695 So. 2d 383, 386 (Fla. 4th DCA 1997). Courts limit recovery to benefits directly conferred; indirect or incidental benefits are not enough. Chiquita Fresh N. Am. v. Port Everglades Terminal, LLC, 372 So. 3d 277, 280 (Fla. 4th DCA 2023).

Another potential theory is promissory estoppel, which applies when someone makes a promise, another person relies on it, and only enforcement can prevent injustice. W.R. Grace & Co. v. Geodata Servs., Inc., 547 So. 2d 919, 924–25 (Fla. 1989). But Florida courts apply this doctrine narrowly. Promises must be definite and substantial, and the doctrine cannot be used to get around the Statute of Frauds, which requires certain agreements to be in writing. Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC v. Delvar, 180 So. 3d 1190, 1193 (Fla. 4th DCA 2015).

You also mentioned promises of equity or ownership. Courts treat those claims as joint venture or partnership theories, but Florida law requires proof of profit-sharing, loss-sharing, and joint control. Kislak v. Kreedian, 95 So. 2d 510, 515 (Fla. 1957). Missing any one element, especially loss-sharing, defeats the claim. Williams v. Obstfeld, 314 F.3d 1270, 1276 (11th Cir. 2002). These claims are difficult to establish unless there is clear evidence of shared control and shared risk.

Fraud or misrepresentation may be another angle. Fraudulent inducement requires proof of a false statement of material fact, knowledge of falsity, intent to induce reliance, and actual reliance with damages. Dziegielewski v. Scalero, 352 So. 3d 931, 932–33 (Fla. 5th DCA 2022). Negligent misrepresentation is similar but requires only that the speaker “ought to have known” of the falsity. Wallerstein v. Hosp. Corp. of Am., 573 So. 2d 9, 11 (Fla. 4th DCA 1990). That said, if a written agreement exists with an integration clause (stating there are no outside promises), courts generally will not allow reliance on contradictory oral statements. Yatak v. La Placita Grocery of Fort Pierce Corp., 383 So. 3d 497, 504 (Fla. 4th DCA 2024).

As for damages, the fair market value of your services ($171,750 by your calculation) is the typical measure under unjust enrichment or quantum meruit. Punitive damages are available only if you can prove by clear and convincing evidence that PTG acted with intentional misconduct or gross negligence. Fla. Stat. § 768.72(2). That is a high evidentiary burden.

A: You can start by gathering all documentation that shows your contributions to Paragon Talent Group’s Speakers Division. This includes emails, texts, proposals, meeting notes, and any drafts of agreements, even if unsigned or backdated. These records help establish that you performed valuable work and that compensation was promised, which is crucial for a legal claim.

Next, consider sending a formal demand letter outlining the work you did, the promised compensation, the fair market value, and the amount they have refused to pay. Clearly state a deadline for payment and indicate that you may pursue legal remedies if they fail to comply. Keeping the tone professional and factual can strengthen your position.

If they do not respond or refuse to pay, you may file a claim in small claims court or pursue a civil lawsuit for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, or promissory estoppel, depending on the amount and circumstances. Given the complexity of your situation, especially with partial ownership and profit promises, consulting an attorney experienced in contract and business disputes in Florida can help you navigate the process, maximize recovery, and protect your rights. Keep a detailed record of all interactions moving forward to support your case.