Lorenzo Neely, a Vietnam veteran, finds himself facing the distressing possibility of losing his home after placing his trust in a roofing company based in Jacksonville.
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — At 82 years old, Purple Heart recipient Lorenzo Neely is grappling with what he alleges is a roofing scam that threatens his homeownership. The St. Augustine resident claims the ordeal has pushed him to his limits.
Neely says he was assured by representatives from Florida Roof Specialists that his roof could be replaced without personal expense, covered entirely by his homeowner’s insurance. Trusting their promise, he proceeded with their services.
“It was a scam,” Neely lamented. “They target the elderly, thinking they’re easy prey. They saw me as someone they could take advantage of.”
Despite the completion of the roofing work, Neely was stunned to receive a foreclosure notice this week, stemming from what he describes as an unresolved balance with the company. Neely insists he never consented to pay beyond his insurance deductible and claims his insurance provider has also struggled to receive communication from the roofing firm.
Overcome with emotion, Neely expressed his frustration, stating, “I’m hurting. I’m exhausted. I just want peace in my remaining years without being forced out of my home.”
The Florida Attorney General’s Office has filed a lawsuit against Florida Roof Specialists, alleging the company misled homeowners into believing they would only have to pay their insurance deductible. According to the AG, the company then demanded additional payments after the work was completed, and filed liens on properties when homeowners refused to pay.
Since 2020, the state has received nearly 200 complaints from consumers claiming they were deceived in a similar way. The lawsuit argues that Florida Roof Specialists violated the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
The Better Business Bureau has given the company a D-plus rating, citing a pattern of complaints involving contract issues and unresponsive communication.
Neely, who served in Vietnam and continues to suffer health issues linked to Agent Orange exposure, says the ordeal has left him emotionally and financially drained.
“I want to be treated as a human being,” he said. “I want to be treated as a veteran. I served this country.”
First Coast News reached out to Florida Roof Specialists for comment but has not received a response.
The Attorney General’s investigation is still active. The Better Business Bureau urges homeowners to research contractors, get multiple estimates and never sign a contract without a detailed written cost breakdown.
