Florida Attorney General Files FDUTPA Lawsuit Against Owner Of Olympus Pools
According to a report from WFLA News Channel 8, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is taking legal action against Olympus Pools, Inc. and the company’s owner James I. Staten, Jr. for alleged violations of the state’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA). Here, our West Palm Beach deceptive & unfair trade practices attorneys provide an overview of the allegations raised by authorities.
Florida Pool Company Allegedly Accepted Payments Without Ability to Render Services
Olympus Pools, Inc. is a now defunct company that was owned by James I. Staten Jr. Based primarily in the Tampa area, Olympus built and installed swimming pools for residential and commercial property owners. According to allegations reviewed by state authorities, Olympus Pools, Inc. repeatedly accepted upfront payments from customers only to leave them incomplete. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody alleges that the company was knowingly accepting upfront payments from customers despite its lack of ability to render services.
200 Complaints, $8 Million in Consumer Losses
Florida regulators contend that the losses in this case were especially large. Since launching a comprehensive investigation into the practices of Olympus Pools, Inc. earlier this year, the Florida Attorney General has received more than 200 complaints from customers who allege that they paid money upfront for pool installation but were left with a job that was never started or incomplete. Many customers were simply left with large holes in the ground on the property. In total, the alleged losses in this case are valued at more than $8 million.
Florida regulators are seeking a wide range of penalties against the company and its owner. First, the Attorney General wants a permanent injunction to bar the defendants from working in pool construction in Florida. Further, state authorities are seeking full restitution/reimbursement for affected consumers and an additional $2 million in financial sanctions for violations of the state’s FDUTPA.
FDUTPA: A Strong Remedy for Consumers and Business
The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) is a consumer protection law. It allows individuals, businesses, and organizations to take legal action against a company that engages in abusive or otherwise unjust commercial practices. The Florida Attorney General has the power to enforce the FDUTPA—but they are not the only party. The statute includes a private right of action, meaning you can file an FDUTPA lawsuit if you suffered losses because of a company’s improper conduct. A successful FDUTPA claim allows a plaintiff to recover financial compensation for actual losses.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With an FDUTPA Lawyer in South Florida
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Florida deceptive and unfair commercial practices attorneys fight aggressively to protect the rights of our clients. If you are preparing to file an FDUTPA claim, we can help. Call us now for a fully private consultation. With office locations in West Palm Beach, Wellington and Miami, our firm handles FDUTPA claims throughout Southeastern Florida, including in Sunrise, Plantation, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Palm Beach Gardens, and Delray Beach.
Resource:
wfla.com/8-on-your-side/better-call-behnken/florida-ag-plans-legal-action-against-olympus-pools-expected-to-file-in-hillsborough-court/
