Small Claims Court

[Rooster]

I Have a small, One Man operation. D & L Custom Laminate Tops. I do
mostly cabinet designs and installs. I sub contract to several local
companies. One in perticular has created some problems for me. The
company does business under more than one name. Solid Surface
Specialities, Andreozzi Custom, Counter Top Specialities. NONE of
which are listed with the Department of State, Division of
Corparations. I contracted with the (apparent) owner to provied and
install solid surface tops. I gave a 50% deposit up front and later
gave an additional amount to help the owner out. The original contract
was on April 16 2008. After 30 days the home owner, for whom the tops
were for called and said no work had been accomplished. Over the next
79 day various reasons were given to my self and the home owner. On
July 3 2008 I refunded the home owners original deposit. And gave
notice to Androzzi Custom (William A. Andreozzi) that the home owner
had cancled the job. I requested that my money be returned. Mr.
Andreozzi said it would take some time to jet my money back. Over the
next 80 days, I once again recieved several reasons and times that I
could get my money. On September 23 2008 I sent Certified Mail to Mr.
Andreozzi, stating he had 10 days to pay in full or futher legal
action would follow. I have had no contact from hom. After looking on
line for his business, I discoveres several other Small claims against
him and/or tis company. All listed with the Florida Department of
State Division of Corporations. I located one of his previous victoms,
They informed me they had filed a small claim, a date was set and Mr.
Andreozzi did not show, the judgment was for them, but they never
revieved any thing in compencation. So to my question. What recourse
do I have to help protect others from this bad business. Apparently
doing business as usual with out a licence or insurance, IS NOT DOING
un licened busuness in Florida a Felony. I have uncovered more than
$5362.50 + intrest. From 3 Lien Judgments. Not including my $3228.23 .
One judgment was for an individual in Slidell Lousiana. Crossing State
lines. Do We all louse

[webmasterflo...@gmail.com]

Hi Dave,

I'm sorry for your bad experience (and loss of money) with this
company!

It is good of you to try to warn other people. Some counties have
consumer protection divisions that keep detailed records of complaints
against businesses and the final resolution. I know that Pinellas
County has this service, but I checked with your county, Okaloosa, and
unfortunately they don't have a county department that handles this
function. Your best bet, I think, is to notify the Better Business
Bureau in your area.

I would also check with the Okaloosa County Growth Management Building
Division. According to their website, contractors must be licensed and
registered with their department. They keep records of complaints
against these businesses.

http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/dept_growth_mgmt_bld_div_choose_contractor.html

If you have not already done so, you might also check with the Florida
Department of Business and Professional Registration
(www.myflorida.com/dbpr), which requires state licensing of
contractors. There is a place to file complaints and search for
complaints. (I found two complaints against Mr. Andreozzi. It said he
was a plumbing contractor.)

Good luck.

Barbara Miracle
Editor
FloridaSmallBusiness.com