Florida sued a construction company and six of its executives, accusing them of taking over $1 million in insurance payouts from storm-affected residents and then failing to do the repair work they promised.
For families already fighting to bounce back from hurricane damage, the alleged conduct meant more than lost money — some were left with still-damaged properties, while some faced liens, according to the Florida Phoenix.
Here's what to know
On Friday, state Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office filed a lawsuit in Lee County's 20th Judicial Circuit against Evolve Construction, Evolve Construction & Restoration, and six executive principals.
The complaint holds that the companies violated Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
The case involves at least 80 complainants over a four-year span, totaling at least $1 million in insurance payments.
"We've been able to identify over a million dollars at this point from 80 different complainants, and that number is only going to grow," Uthmeier said, per the Phoenix.
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After Hurricanes Ian and Milton, company representatives allegedly went through storm-damaged neighborhoods offering roof repairs and mold checks, Uthmeier noted.
The attorney general's office also alleges the companies operated without home solicitation permits and used predatory agreements that left residents with little protection.
More background
After hurricanes, homeowners are often under pressure to stop leaks, prevent mold growth, and undertake emergency repairs as quickly as possible, which can make sketchy, high-pressure sales tactics more effective.
Uthmeier indicated that some homeowners turned over money intended to restore their properties but were left with damaged homes and buildings, as the Phoenix reported.
Repairs can be delayed, living conditions may deteriorate, and households can be forced to take on debt.
Liens add another financial burden, making it harder for owners to recover or sell their homes.
What's being done?
Through the lawsuit, the state is seeking to recover money and hold the defendants accountable under Florida's consumer protection law.
Uthmeier wants more affected residents to come forward; fraud complaints can help investigators establish patterns, identify additional victims, and document how widespread the alleged conduct may have been.
"They stole millions of dollars of insurance money that these residents received that was supposed to go towards home repairs, but … they didn't do the repairs. In many cases, they did not even begin the repairs," Uthmeier said, according to the Phoenix. "But in all of these cases, they certainly did not finish them, taking the money, running, leaving these poor residents, these victims with damaged buildings and homes and, in many cases, liens on the property. That's unacceptable."
Where can I learn more?
Repair and recovery projects can unravel when companies or associations mishandle the work or money.
• In Nevada, a homeowner blamed Titan Solar Power for destroying their house.
• A homeowner said an HOA may have diverted FEMA funding allocated to restoring hurricane-damaged roads.
• In California, fire victims said their coverage was little more than an illusion.
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