ORLANDO, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a settlement on Thursday with a car dealership to resolve allegations that former sales representatives engaged in high-pressure sales tactics.
Former sales representatives with Gatorland Toyota also allegedly failed to clearly and conspicuously disclose the cost of services and products associated with the purchase or lease of an automobile. Bondi's office received multiple consumer complaints against Gatorland, some of which came from senior citizens, alleging that while repairs were being performed they were subjected to high-pressure sales. During the sales pitch, Gatorland employees allegedly failed to inform the consumers that the service on their vehicles was complete.
Consumers alleged they felt pressured into buying an automobile and that the price they paid exceeded the price they agreed to pay. Consumers also alleged they failed to receive the appropriate trade-in value for their old vehicle.
Gatorland cooperated with Bondi's office, which determined that former sales representatives for the company failed to abide by company sales guidelines.
"The purchase or lease of an automobile is a major financial obligation, and my office will enforce Florida's laws in order to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive dealership practices," Bondi said. "Consumers deserve to have complete and accurate information so they can make informed decisions when purchasing a vehicle."
Under the terms of the proposed settlement, Gatorland would pay $95,000 in consumer restitution to 76 identified consumers and $50,000 to Bondi's office for costs, fees and future monitoring.
Toyota dealership settles consumer complaints with Fla. AG
