Attorney General Ashley Moody has taken legal action against Pro Pool Builders, LLC for misleading Florida consumers. The company promised to complete pool construction within 90 days from the date of permit issuance but failed to deliver on their promises. Attorney General Moody's Consumer Protection Division investigation revealed that Pro Pool Builders either did not start projects or left incomplete pools in consumers' yards, leading to financial losses and frustration for many Floridians.
In a statement, Attorney General Moody expressed her concern over the company's actions, stating, "Pro Pool Builders took large payments from consumers and promised to complete pool construction within 90 days from the date of permit issuance. However, instead of performing the work, consumers report that they either didn't start projects or left incomplete pools in consumers' yards, then abruptly closed business, leaving many consumers having to pay third-party contractors or even causing liens to be placed on properties. This is unacceptable, and we are taking action to stop these practices and hold the defendants accountable for ripping off Floridians."
The investigation conducted by Attorney General Moody's Consumer Protection Division revealed that Pro Pool Builders operated from late 2020 to early 2022. The company advertised completion of pool installation within 90 days but failed to complete or even start many consumers' pools. The defendants continued to solicit new business and collect deposits or payments despite their inability to fulfill contractual obligations.
Pro Pool Builders abruptly shut down and stopped responding to consumers, leaving some suppliers and subcontractors unpaid. As a result, consumers were forced to pay third parties or faced the placement of liens on their homes. At least 40 complaints, collectively alleging more than $1.5 million in payments for untimely, incomplete, and inadequate services, were received by Attorney General Moody's Consumer Protection Division.
The civil action filed by the Attorney General's Office seeks to enjoin Pro Pool Builders from engaging in unfair and deceptive practices related to pool design or installation. The action also seeks civil penalties for each violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Additionally, the principal manager of Pro Pool Builders is facing six counts in a separate criminal matter.
This is not the first time Attorney General Moody has taken action against pool companies engaging in deceptive practices. In October, civil action was taken against Cox Pools of the Gulf Coast for leaving jobs incomplete after taking large upfront payments. In August, criminal charges were filed against the owner of a Tampa-based pool company for stealing over $1.5 million from Floridians. In July, legal action was taken to permanently close Olympus Pools for failing to complete pool projects for consumers.
To assist Floridians in navigating the pool construction market, Attorney General Moody has released a resource called "Scams at a Glance: Sink or Swim." This resource helps consumers identify and avoid pool contractor fraud.
Consumers who have fallen victim to pool-related scams are encouraged to report them by filing a complaint with the Florida Attorney General's Office online at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.
Attorney General Moody's actions against Pro Pool Builders and other companies demonstrate her commitment to protecting Florida consumers from deceptive business practices in the pool industry. Through legal action and educational resources, she aims to ensure that Floridians can confidently pursue their pool construction projects without falling victim to fraud.
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-moody-takes-legal-action-against-pro-pool-builders