In Tampa, Florida, more homeowners are voicing their concerns over the possibility of losing their homes in foreclosure lawsuits involving their roofing companies, as the Florida Attorney General’s Office continues its investigation.
One homeowner, T.J. Freidinger, shared his experience with Florida Roof Specialists, who assured him they would work with his insurance provider directly, leaving homeowners only responsible for their deductibles.
He had quotes from other companies for around $24,000, which is what his insurance company ended up paying FRS.
The roof went up in a day and looks great, but it was followed by a shocker of a bill: $26,469, including “supplemental charges.”
“Initially, I thought there was an accounting mistake and that it should show a negative balance instead of a positive one,” Freidinger explained. “However, after that point, there was no further communication from them via email or phone.”
8 On Your Side Consumer Investigator Shannon Behnken reviewed the charges listed in the supplement, which included fees for permitting, a dumpster, shingle removal, flashing, and a drip edge—items Freidinger assumed were already covered in the $24,000 paid by his insurance.
Contracts from Florida Roof Specialists, examined by Better Call Behnken, caution that homeowners could be held accountable for items not covered by insurance, such as “rotten wood.”
“Not $26,000, and they can’t explain to me why,” Freidinger highlighted. “They offer no explanation for the charges and have no interest in providing one.”
Freidinger said at first, FRS representatives assured him insurance would pay, even after they filed a lien against his home.
But Freidinger said Citizens Insurance closed the claim, saying they paid a fair price. Then, earlier this year, FRS filed a foreclosure lawsuit against Freidinger in Pinellas County Court.
He isn’t alone.
The Florida Attorney General’s Office confirms it has 131 complaints and an active consumer protection investigation into the company.
No one from Florida Roof Specialists or its attorney, Daniel M. Copeland, have returned calls for comment on the complaints or the AG investigation.
