Florida Construction News staff writer
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against two Naples-based construction companies and six principals and officers, alleging they used unfair and deceptive practices to target homeowners needing roof repairs, roof replacements and water and mold remediation following Hurricanes Ian and Milton.
The complaint was filed Sept. 25 in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in Lee County.
The defendants are Evolve Construction, LLC, Evolve Construction & Restoration, Inc., and Patrick Antoine, Ahmed Darkawi, Jarret Gross, Aleksandr Guldshtadt, John Vincent and Jaser “Jay” Zaabri.
At least 80 consumers in 11 Florida counties have complained to the Attorney General’s Office, according to the complaint. More than 60 per cent are seniors, and consumers allege they paid more than $1 million for work that was unfinished, poorly performed or never started.
The complaint alleges the defendants solicited homeowners shortly after the storms, offering free roof inspections and promising fast repairs, expedited permits and assistance obtaining insurance settlements. The state alleges some sales representatives were not licensed contractors and lacked required home-solicitation permits.
The defendants allegedly collected insurance payments ranging from $5,000 to $80,000 per property but often failed to complete the work.
The complaint also alleges consumers were required to sign a “Contingency Agreement” that lacked required cancellation language, imposed an unlawful cancellation penalty and functioned as an unlawful assignment of insurance benefits.
When homeowners sought cancellations or refunds, the defendants allegedly refused. The state also alleges the defendants threatened or recorded liens against properties, including in cases where no work or materials had been provided.
“These companies knocked on doors after the storms, promised fast repairs, took insurance money, and left Florida families with unfinished homes and liens on their property,” Uthmeier said.
The lawsuit alleges two violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The state is seeking an injunction, consumer restitution, disgorgement, civil penalties and legal costs.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie S. Griffin said administrative proceedings had previously resulted in 12 final orders against Darkawi and the loss of his licence.
The lawsuit contains allegations that have not been proven in court.
