Sunday, March 8, 2009

Florida Update

Ok.. so in my original rant about the rental home in Florida, I indicated that I was considering contacting the BBB of Central Florida. I did send them an email on February 11. Until this week I hadn't heard anything so I figured they were blowing me off. Well I did get a response this week. It doesn't say a whole lot, but at least it will be on file and if anyone else should have problems in the future they'll have more than one complaint.

re: Elite Florida Vacation Homes, Inc., case #9E20-8F3%
Dear Rhonda Rankin:
We have received your correspondence concerning your experience with the company. It is unfortunate you have had this experience. We regret the necessity of your letter, but appreciate that you have taken the time to bring this matter to our attention.
Your letter will remain in our files as a matter of record. If you care to advise the BBB of the final outcome of this matter, we will be glad to include it in our file. The information you have provided will be maintained in the Better Business Bureau's file for a three (3) year period.
We appreciate your using the services of the Better Business Bureau. Remember, our complaint and inquiry services are available 24/7 by calling our automated phone system or by visiting our web site at www.centralflorida.bbb.org. To use our automated phone system, please have the telephone number of the company available when calling, including the area code or toll free prefix.
Sincerly
Phyllis Coleman
Consumer Affairs, ext. 332
pcoleman@centralflorida.bbb.org

I also contacted the Florida Department of Health. They responded that this did not fall under their umbrella, however, I should contact the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. I filed a complaint via their web site and received this response:

The Division of Consumer Services, Bureau of Mediation and Enforcement, has received your complaint concerning the above referenced business. Thank you for filing your complaint with this office. Often it is only through correspondence from concerned and responsible citizens that we become aware of consumer issues.
I have mailed a copy of your complaint to the business and have asked the business to respond to the allegations. I will review the response and contact you with a status update. Please be aware that this process may take between 30 and 60 days.
If you have any additional documentation to support your allegations that you did not include with your initial mailing, I would appreciate you forwarding that information to my attention as soon as possible. Please include the reference number displayed above on future correspondence and address any questions or concerns to my attention. Examples include, but may not be limited to proof of payment to the business, receipts, estimates (front and back), advertisements, copy of a contract (front and back), or any correspondence with the business you think might assist in understanding your complaint.
Sincerely,
Richard Otway
Regulatory Consultant
850-410-3699
Fax: 850-410-3801
E-mail: otwayr@doacs.state.fl.us


I'll update as or if I hear more.

1 comment:

Annie said...

Well, at least it's action. Uggh!