[co-author: Stephanie Kozol]*
On March 21, Florida Attorney General (AG) James Uthmeier’s Consumer Protection Division announced the resolution of ongoing litigation against a network of moving brokerage companies accused of misleading consumers. These companies, including Gold Standard Moving and Storage, allegedly misrepresented their services by claiming to offer professional, door-to-door moving services when they were operating as brokers, quoting low prices to secure large up-front deposits and then outsourcing the moving tasks to unvetted third-party carriers. According to the AG’s office, this practice frequently led to consumers allegedly facing additional and unexpected costs.
Numerous consumers reported that despite assurances of refunds and consistent customer service throughout the moving process, the companies and their operators consistently failed to deliver on these promises, resulting in a significant number of complaints.
Uthmeier’s team secured settlements against the defendants, permanently banning them from operating within the moving broker industry in Florida. The settlement also includes a $4 million judgment against the Gold Standard entities and the individual defendants, with $1 million specifically allocated for consumer relief.
Why It Matters
This case highlights the importance of legal accountability for both companies and the individuals who operate them. It demonstrates that individuals cannot evade responsibility by hiding behind corporate entities.
Moreover, an increase in complaints can attract regulatory scrutiny and lead to potential legal action. Businesses should therefore prioritize diligent monitoring and addressing of consumer complaints to ensure their practices comply with legal standards.
*Senior Government Relations Manager
