TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Attorney General Pam Bondi today filed a lawsuit against
hurricane shutter company Rolladen, Inc. and its principal, Robert Hoffman,
for deceptive and unfair trade practices. Rolladen, a Hallandale-based
company, markets and sells hurricane shutters and impact windows to Florida
consumers and allegedly required substantial deposits up front but never
installed the shutters or windows.
“As Floridians safeguard their homes against hurricanes, they deserve the
assurance of knowing that they are doing business with fair and honest
companies," said Attorney General Pam Bondi. "My office will continue to
investigate deceptive business practices and protect all of Florida’s
consumers."
According to an investigation started in March by the Attorney General’s
Office, Rolladen required consumers to pay 40 to 80 percent of the contract
price up-front for the hurricane shutters, promising delivery and
installation within six to 12 weeks of the contract date. Reportedly, the
company received more than $600,000 in consumer deposits for hurricane
shutters, but in many cases, never delivered or installed the product.
The lawsuit, filed in the Broward County Circuit Court, seeks an order
prohibiting Rolladen from marketing and selling shutters and windows until
the company can complete installations in accordance with Florida
contractor requirements. The lawsuit also seeks an immediate freeze on all
assets of the company to maximize refunds to consumers. Hoffman was
arrested last week by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office on charges of
running an organized scheme to defraud and unlicensed contracting.
Below are some helpful tips for consumers who are purchasing hurricane
shutters and having them installed:
· Confirm the contractor has a current state contractor's license. Go
to www.myfloridalicense.com to verify a license.
· Ask who will be doing the actual installation and confirm the
installer is also licensed.
· Ask for and check references, and investigate the contractor with the
Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).
· Know what kind of protection you are purchasing. Some counties may
have specific standards for storm shutters, so be sure to inquire in
advance whether your shutters meet the applicable standards and
retain copies of the specifications for insurance purposes.
· Know that "hurricane film" is not approved for residential use in
Florida.
· Florida requires a building permit for installation of shutters and
most windows and doors. Be sure your contractor is obtaining a
permit for the installation.
· Make certain that all materials and supplies, permit fees, and
installation costs are included in the price quoted in the written
contract.
· Ask for a specific installation deadline and request the contractor
to include the deadline in the contract.
· Beware if the contractor asks for payment in full before the work is
completed.
· Contractors often require a deposit, but if you pay more than 10
percent of the contract price, the contractor must apply for a permit
within 30 days and start work within 90 days of the issuance of the
required permit(s). Florida Statutes Section 489.126.
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