News Summary
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has sued Florida Roof Specialists and owner Jeremey Rogero for deceptive practices that harmed homeowners across 24 counties. The lawsuit cites unfair sales tactics, including excessive charges and liens placed on homes. Irene Marcoux, a senior resident, was among those affected, facing a $30,000 bill after being promised a low deductible. The AG’s office aims to prevent the company’s operations in Florida and seeks penalties. The case highlights the need for better protection for consumers in the roofing industry.
Florida — The Florida Attorney General, James Uthmeier, has initiated legal action against Florida Roof Specialists and its owner, Jeremey Rogero, for alleged deceptive business practices affecting hundreds of homeowners across at least 24 counties, including Citrus County. The lawsuit highlights a pattern of unfair sales tactics that have resulted in significant public harm, including liens placed on the homes of affected residents following roofing jobs that were either poorly executed or disputed.
Among those affected is Irene Marcoux, a 76-year-old resident of Beverly Hills, Florida. After a storm in May 2022, Marcoux was approached by representatives of Florida Roof Specialists, who suggested a roof inspection. They indicated that she would only need to cover a $1,000 insurance deductible for a roof replacement, prompting her to sign a “assignment of benefits agreement.” However, after the work was completed in August 2022, Marcoux was confronted with a bill of nearly $30,000, which included charges for work that was allegedly not performed.
Initially, Marcoux’s insurance company compensated Florida Roof Specialists over $18,000 for the roof replacement. However, the company subsequently filed a lawsuit against Marcoux for the remaining unpaid balance of more than $7,000. On October 28, 2022, before any resolution was reached with the insurance company, Florida Roof Specialists placed a lien on her home.
The Attorney General’s office is seeking to prevent Florida Roof Specialists from operating in the state and aims to invalidate the existing construction liens. Additionally, the lawsuit seeks to impose penalties of $10,000 for each violation of the law and $15,000 for every infraction involving senior citizens.
Marcoux has expressed her concerns regarding the lien removal process, stating that despite hiring legal assistance, she remains uncertain about her options. Since the beginning of her legal battle in August 2022, she has encountered significant challenges, including the distress that comes with a home lien. To compound matters, one of Marcoux’s neighbors has faced foreclosure due to similar actions taken by Florida Roof Specialists.
The lawsuit further alleges that Florida Roof Specialists consistently misrepresented the terms of agreements to consumers, leading to misunderstandings and financial burdens among homeowners. These tactics are deemed “unfair, deceptive and unconscionable,” as outlined in the official complaint.
Florida Roof Specialists has come under scrutiny for its business practices, which, according to the Attorney General, have left many residents vulnerable. The legal action taken against the company is intended to serve as a proactive measure to protect consumers from further deceptive tactics. Individuals like Marcoux hope that the lawsuit will not only aid in their current predicaments but will also stand as a warning to other potential victims of similar scams.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the need for greater vigilance among homeowners regarding roofing contracts and the practices of contractors. The reliance on insurance and the complexities surrounding construction liens have left many, particularly seniors, in precarious situations. The outcome of this lawsuit may influence regulations in the roofing industry and help to establish stronger protections for homeowners in Florida.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Citrus County Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Roofing
- ALXnow
- Google Search: Florida construction disputes
- Dwell
- Google Scholar: Deceptive business practices
- Beverly Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business scams
- New York Post
- Google News: Roofing industry regulations
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
