The Short Answer

In Florida, you can revoke a power of attorney (POA) even if your agent refuses to return or destroy the document. The key is making the revocation in a signed writing and giving effective written notice to the agent and any third parties (like banks) who might rely on the old POA.

What Florida Law Says

Florida law focuses less on physically retrieving the paper POA and more on whether the agent and third parties have been given legally effective notice that the POA has been revoked. This matters because an agent (or a bank) may still be able to act on an old POA if they have not received notice of termination or revocation.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is Fla. Stat. § 709.2110.

This statute establishes that a principal may revoke a power of attorney in a later signed writing (including a later power of attorney) and may give notice of the revocation to the agent.

Just as important, Florida’s notice statute explains when a revocation notice becomes effective against the agent and third parties: Fla. Stat. § 709.2121. Under that law, a notice (including a notice of revocation) is not effective until written notice is provided to the agent or to third persons relying on the POA, and certain recipients (like financial institutions) have specific notice requirements and timing rules.

Finally, Florida law also addresses why notice matters: a termination or revocation may not be effective against an agent who acts in good faith without knowledge of it. See Fla. Stat. § 709.2109.

If you want more background on the general topic, you may also find helpful: Can I Change or Revoke a Power of Attorney After It’s Signed in Florida? and How Do I Remove or Replace a Power of Attorney Agent in Florida?.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statutes provide the general rule, applying them to a real-world situation—especially when an agent is uncooperative—can create serious risk. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict notice rules: A revocation is not effective until written notice is provided to the agent and any third parties relying on the POA, and financial institutions have special notice content and timing requirements. See Fla. Stat. § 709.2121.
• Good-faith reliance problems: If an agent (or a bank) acts without knowledge of the revocation, those actions may still bind you, depending on the facts. See Fla. Stat. § 709.2109(4).
• Escalation and remedies: When an agent refuses to cooperate, the issue often shifts from “revocation paperwork” to “preventing misuse,” preserving evidence, and potentially seeking court intervention—steps that are highly fact-specific and can backfire if handled incorrectly.

In other words, even if you revoke the POA, an uncooperative agent can still cause damage if institutions haven’t received effective notice or if there’s a dispute about what the agent knew and when. A Florida probate attorney can help ensure the revocation is enforceable in practice and respond quickly if the agent is still trying to use the document.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Florida law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.