Nick and Susan Perfido of Seminole County, Florida, were looking forward to transforming their backyard into an outdoor paradise. They hired Florida Landscape Living LLC, a company based in Maitland, to do the job.
“We’re going to have a fire bowl here — actually a fire table,” Nick told WESH 2 News while showing reporters a pile of dirt where the project was supposed to take shape.
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But shortly after writing two checks totaling $27,654.25 in January and February, the couple says everything began to unravel.
The couple is fighting to get their money back
The Perfidos were initially impressed by Florida Landscape Living’s sleek website and polished pitch.
“Everything looked really beautiful and was very glamorous,” Susan told WESH reporters. “It was all window dressing.”
According to a complaint they filed with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, reports WESH, the only work completed was the destruction of grass along their property line. Beyond that, the couple says nothing else was done. When they requested a refund, they say the company demanded a “cancellation fee” of $22,185.60.
“They were trying to do everything in their power not to answer questions,” Nick said. “That was really the big issue for us, and that’s why we pulled the plug.”
Then, in March, the landscaping business appeared to vanish. Its Maitland storefront was cleared out, signage removed and inventory was gone. That’s when the Perfidos filed the criminal complaint with the Sheriff’s Office, alleging fraud, larceny and grand theft. They also filed a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Now, they’re taking the company, including its five principals, to court. The couple is suing for “fraudulent misrepresentation” and “civil theft,” and is seeking $181,817 in total damages, reports WESH.
The attorney for Florida Landscape Living, who has filed a motion to dismiss the claims, called them “a hodge-podge of wild-eyed accusations.”
While preparing their case, the Perfidos — working with a private investigator — say they found that the defendants were linked to dozens of inactive Florida businesses. They told WESH that they also uncovered indications that Florida Landscape Living may not have held the proper licenses.
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How to avoid hiring a scam company
The Perfidos’ story is an alarming reminder of how convincing bad actors can be. If you’re considering hiring a contractor for landscaping or home improvement work, here are steps to help protect yourself:
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Verify licensing. Always check with your city, county or state licensing board, like the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), to confirm the company has the proper credentials.
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Search for complaints. Look up the company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and your local clerk of courts. Public records may show lawsuits, liens or past business violations.
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Read reviews and ask for references. Look beyond testimonials on the company’s website and use third-party review sites and ask to speak with past customers.
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Review the contract carefully. Understand the cancellation policy and payment schedule. Be wary of large upfront payments or vague language about fees.
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Avoid cash payments. Pay by credit card, if possible, as it offers more consumer protection. At a minimum, make sure you have a paper trail of all payments, such as cancelled checks or proof of bank transfers.
If you’ve already handed over funds to a company and you suspect fraud, take action quickly. File a police report and submit a complaint to state agencies that oversee businesses. In Florida, that is the DBPR. If the amount is significant, you may be able to pursue a civil case for breach of contract.
Finally, warn others. You can file a complaint with BBB. You can also leave an online review, a post on social media or consider reaching out to local news stations to get your story heard and help others avoid being taken advantage of.
While the Perfidos have since hired a new contractor to finish their yard, their legal fight continues. “This is about bringing these people to justice,” said Nick.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
