Understanding Florida Deceptive Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA)

FDUTPA was designed to encompass a broad spectrum of deceptive and unfair conduct...

BERNHARDT RILEY

Understanding Florida Deceptive Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA)

Florida Deceptive Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA)

The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) as found in Florida Statutes 501.201-501.213 protects consumers and competing businesses from anyone who engages in unfair methods of competition or deceptive practice in any trade or commerce. Such trades may include

  • Automotive Sales and Service Centers
  • Exterminators
  • Sellers of Travel Packages
  • Resellers of Timeshares
  • Sellers and Installers of Flooring
  • Sellers of Prepaid Calling Cards
  • For-Profit Schools
  • Data Security Firms

False and misleading tactics from these industries may be designed to trick a customer into paying more for goods and services than was advertised, or into paying for goods and services that they never received.

FDUTPA was designed to encompass a broad spectrum of deceptive and unfair conduct such as the following

  • “Bait And Switch” or Other False or Misleading Advertising
  • Misrepresenting Used Goods as New
  • Falsely Claiming that a Vehicle or Product is in Need of Repair or Replacement
  • Slipping Improper or Undisclosed Fees into a Bill or Contract
  • Adding Unauthorized Charges onto A Phone Bill
  • Delivering Goods that were not Ordered and Billing unless the Customer Declines
  • Price Gouging After a Hurricane, Flood or During a State Of Emergency
  • Salespeople Misrepresenting their Authority to Negotiate Terms or Close a Sale

The statute of limitation for bringing a FDUTPA claim is four (4) years from the date of the event giving rise to the FDUTPA claim. If you believe that there has been a violation of FDUTPA, contact the trial attorneys at Bernhardt Riley to help evaluate your potential claim.