2008 Press Releases - Consumer Services
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Bronson Announces Top Ten Complaints For 2008 (12/24/08) - Bronson is announcing the top ten list of complaints for calendar year 2008. It’s no surprise that the no sales solicitation category continues to rank number one, however complaints are up substantially this year. After dropping by nearly 500 complaints in 2007 to 4223, the Do Not Call law generated 5006 written complaints in 2008. Bronson also says the department was able to provide more than 7.6 million dollars in refunds in the form of cash, goods and services, 3 million dollars more than last year.
Bronson Announces Arrest In Consumer Scam (12/16/08) - Bronson announced today the arrest of a Martin County businessman for defrauding numerous customers who purchased rebuilt auto transmissions but never received them. Investigators with Bronson’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement made the arrest last evening following a two-month investigation triggered by complaints to the department’s 1- 800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) toll-free hotline.
Holiday Scanner Survey Finds Nearly 99 Percent Accuracy Rate (12/10/08) - That’s the conclusion reached by Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson following a pre-holiday scanner survey in which 63 stores in 28 Florida cities were inspected for scanner accuracy.
State Announces Formal Price Gouging Investigation of Gasoline Supplier (12/09/08) - Bronson and Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced their offices have jointly initiated a formal price gouging investigation into Morgan Stanley Group, Inc. and its subsidiary, TransMontaigne, Inc., a major gasoline supplier. “Florida will not tolerate price gouging by anyone,” said Commissioner Bronson.
Bronson Announces Arrest In Pet Fraud Case (12/03/08) - Bronson announced today the arrest of a Hernando County woman for selling a Port Richey couple a puppy with a bogus health certificate. Charged with Use of a Fraudulent Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, a third-degree felony, was Rosemarie A. Gulliver, 59, of Brooksville. She was booked at the Hernando County Jail, where bail was set at $2,300.
Bronson Announces Arrest of Unlicensed North Florida Pest Control Operator (12/02/08) - Bronson today announced the arrest of a North Florida man for operating a pest control business without a license and defying a cease-and-desist order requiring that he discontinue his operations.
Bronson Urges Consumers to Check Out Health Clubs Before Joining (12/02/08) - Bronson is urging consumers to take time to check on the background of a health club or gym prior to signing up or buying a membership as a gift. Many people wanting to start the New Year off right join gyms, but without some investigation they may only lose money.
Bronson Urges Consumers To Be Savvy While Holiday Shopping (11/25/08) - With the holiday shopping season kicking off this weekend, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is encouraging consumers to shop wisely, know your rights and keep track of your purchases. Whether you shop by telephone, catalog, in retail stores or online, it pays to be a savvy consumer.
Bronson To Deploy Inspectors To Pet Stores During Holiday Season (11/24/08) - Bronson announced today that his department is conducting a sweep of pet stores during the next five weeks to ensure that such establishments are complying with regulations that protect consumers in the purchase of pets.
Adhere To Food Safety Measures This Holiday, Bronson Urges (11/20/08) - Everybody enjoys holiday meals, and with a little care, nothing will mar the pleasure of the celebration,” Bronson said. “But food safety measures are particularly important, especially with the variety of foods being served, the number of helpers in the kitchen and the fact that food is often left out for long periods of time after being served.
Bronson Files Lawsuit For Violation of “Do Not Call” Law (11/19/08) - A lawsuit filed in Sarasota County Circuit Court alleges that Affordable Group Inc., of Sarasota, which does business as Affordable Group Heating and Cooling Specialists, made at least 7 calls to Florida residents on the state’s “Do Not Call” list between July of 2007 and earlier this year.
Bronson Urges Consumers To Check Out Charities (11/17/08) - Bronson is reminding consumers that they can check on the legitimacy of charities that seek donations and find out how registered charities spend their money. The reminder comes as charities launch their busiest time of the year, November and December. Many collect about half their annual donations in the short time between Thanksgiving and New Years.
Homeowners With Leaking Polybutylene Pipes May Qualify For Free Plumbing Replacement (10/29/08) - Many single-family homes, multi-unit dwellings and mobile homes built in Florida during the 1980s and early 1990s were constructed using polybutylene (PB) plumbing. PB pipe is somewhat flexible, usually gray in color, and has plastic or metal fittings held in place by aluminum or copper bands at the joints. PB pipe might be located in an attic, crawl space, within walls or a water heater closet, but is often installed beneath insulation materials. Bronson is reminding consumers whose homes contain a polybutylene pipe system that time is running out to file a claim in a nationwide class-action settlement.
Bronson Announces Sweep Of Tampa Bay Area Pawn Shops (10/20/08) - Bronson announced today that investigators from his Division of Consumer Services, Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement and local law enforcement agencies will conduct a countywide sweep of pawn shops in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties this week.
Bronson Announces That 59 Counties Eligible For Disaster Assistance From Tropical Storm Fay (10/08/08) - Bronson announced today that agricultural producers in 59 of Florida’s 67 counties are eligible for federal disaster assistance as a result of damage from Tropical Storm Fay in late August.
Bronson Announces Sweep of Broward and Miami-Dade County Pawn Shops (9/22/08) - Bronson announced today that investigators from his department will conduct a countywide sweep of pawn shops in Broward & Dade Counties to make sure they are complying with regulations governing property identification on pawn transaction forms and to ensure all are properly licensed with the state.
Bronson Files Lawsuit For Unfair And Deceptive Trade Practice (9/18/08) - Bronson today announced that he has taken legal action against an Arkansas company for violating Florida’s “Seller of Travel Act” law. A lawsuit filed in Osceola County Circuit Court alleges that NB Management, LLC, which does business in Central Florida as Coastal Vacations, Coastal Club Vacations and Cross Country Vacations, failed to obtain a license to sell travel and post a surety bond.
Bronson Seeking Records Of 16 Oil Terminals In Price Gouging Probe (9/15/08) - Bronson announced today that he is issuing subpoenas for financial information from 16 major oil terminals in Florida in connection with an ongoing investigation of gasoline price spikes associated with Hurricane Ike.
Bronson Reports Huge Spike In Price Gouging Complaints (9/15/08) - Bronson today announced that his office received nearly 2,200 price-gouging calls over the weekend and 816 complaints - virtually all involving the price of gasoline.
Bronson Announces Temporary Suspension Of Animal Movement Rules And Urges People To Plan For Pets Now As Ike Approaches (9/05/08) - Bronson is temporarily suspending intrastate animal movement requirements due to the large number of animals in harm’s way as Hurricane Ike approaches. The suspension applies only to animals fleeing the affected areas. Georgia and Alabama are also waiving their interstate requirements for Florida livestock being evacuated from potential impact areas of the storm. Bronson is also urging people to plan now for their animals in the event they become in the path of Hurricane Ike or other storms. Evacuations have already been ordered in some areas of Florida.
Bronson Urges Consumers To Follow Food Safety Tips (9/05/08) - September is National Food Safety Education Month, and Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson is urging the public to find out more about safe food handling practices.
Bronson Seeks Federal Disaster Relief For 36 Florida Counties Impacted By Tropical Storm Fay (9/03/08) - Bronson today asked Governor Charlie Crist to seek federal disaster declarations from the federal government for 36 Florida counties battered by high winds, excessive rainfall, flooding or tornados from Tropical Storm Fay.
Price Gouging Hotline Remains Operational For Hanna (9/02/08) - Bronson today reminded state residents that his department’s price-gouging hotline, which was activated two weeks ago for Tropical Storm Fay, remains operational for the approaching Tropical Storm Hanna.
Bronson Urges Food Safety In Wake Of Storm (8/22/08) - Bronson is warning residents to keep food safety in mind as Tropical Storm Fay continues to move through the state. Floodwater that could be contaminated by sewage, pesticides and other hazardous materials may come into contact with food and power outages can impact perishable items.
Bronson Asks Residents To Report Price Gouging (8/18/08) - Bronson today urged state residents to report any instances of price gouging to his department in the wake of approaching Tropical Storm Fay.
Bronson Details Impact Of Salmonella Outbreak On Florida (7/31/08) - Bronson appeared before a congressional subcommittee here today to discuss the federal government's handling of the ongoing salmonella outbreak and its impact on Florida's tomato industry.
Bronson Announces Arrests Of Fuel Theft Ring Members (7/30/08) - Bronson today announced the arrests of four Central Florida men for fraudulently purchasing fuel with counterfeit credit cards. Additional charges are pending after review by the State Attorneys Office in Polk County. The defendants were arrested and booked into the Polk County jail.
Bronson Urges Consumers to Check Out Travel Companies Before Choosing One (7/25/08) - Bronson today encouraged residents to check out their travel agency before booking a vacation. “While most travel agencies are reputable and most agents are honorable professionals, we occasionally come across those that are not,” Bronson said. “And there’s nothing worse than saving for a vacation and then paying thousands of dollars for it only to learn later that you’ve been taken by a con artist.”
Bronson Urges Consumers To Combat Identity Theft (7/18/08) - Bronson is urging consumers to take advantage of their free annual credit reports to deter identity theft. It has been three years since the amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act provided Florida consumers with access to their credit report from each of the three major credit reporting companies for free once a year.
Bronson Files Lawsuit Against Company for Violating "Do Not Call" Law (7/18/08) - Bronson announced today that he has taken legal action against a Florida telemarketer for repeatedly violating Florida's "Do Not Call" law. A lawsuit filed in Volusia County Circuit Court alleges that Suite Choice Inc., of Ormond Beach, made at least 18 telemarketing calls to residents of a Volusia County time share complex on the state's "Do Not Call" list in 2007.
Bronson Urges Public Pressure to Combat Fuel Prices (7/10/08) - Bronson held a press conference and wrote the Florida congressional delegation in May urging an investigation on all aspects of the oil industry, including production, trading by investors and speculators, and ultimately the marketing and sale of fuel. Bronson said at the time that market speculation is driving oil costs instead of the normal laws of supply and demand.
Bronson Urges Troubled Homeowners to Seek Free Legal Assistance (7/09/08) - Bronson today encouraged homeowners who are threatened with foreclosure or fearful that their lending institution may foreclose on their property to contact the Florida Bar Association to obtain free legal assistance. Florida Legal Services and the Florida Bar Association have partnered in establishing a toll-free hotline - 1 866 607-2187 - that consumers can call to answer a few initial questions about their situation to ensure accurate placement with a free attorney.
Bronson Warns Homeowners To Check Out Termite Contracts (7/07/08) - Bronson is urging homeowners to take the time to investigate and educate themselves about pest control companies they may be considering for termite protection. His warning comes as some areas of the state are experiencing drywood termite infestations.
Bronson Urges Consumers To Adopt Measures to Combat Fuel Thefts (7/03/08) - While there is no statewide database detailing the extent of the problem, anecdotal evidence is mounting that thieves are siphoning gasoline, diesel and other motor fuels from cars and trucks sitting in driveways and parking lots because of the rising value of the fuel. Gasoline stations are also increasingly being targeted by fuel thefts, according to Bronson's Petroleum Inspection Bureau and Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement.
Bronson Issues Propane Cylinder Advisory (7/03/08) - Bronson wants to get the facts out about concerns that consumers may be exposed to dangerous propane cylinders. The problem is the use of anhydrous ammonia with propane cylinders, which damages them. This product is used in the manufacture of methamphetamines (meth) and persons who manufacture “meth” have been known to use empty propane cylinders to contain anhydrous ammonia for use in this process. The anhydrous ammonia deteriorates the brass valving on the cylinders, creating an extremely hazardous situation.
Bronson Files Suit Against Company for Violating "Do Not Call" Law (7/01/08) - A lawsuit filed in Orange County Circuit Court alleges that Whetstone Investment Network, of Kissimmee, which does business as Central Florida Water, made at least 7 calls to Florida residents on the state's "Do Not Call" list between last fall and earlier this year. In addition, the company is accused of playing a recorded message when its telemarketing phone calls were answered, which is a separate violation.
Bronson Announces Florida Tomatoes Deemed Safe By FDA (6/10/08) - Bronson has announced that tomatoes currently being harvested in Florida have been deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration and has been added to the agency’s list of states with “safe to eat” tomatoes. FDA’s website is updated in the evening and will reflect the change.
Bronson Urges Residents To Follow Generator Safety Rules (6/05/08) - The use of generators jumps during a disaster but they can create additional tragedies if not used properly. The majority of carbon monoxide deaths from generators each year are caused because people use them indoors or in garages, balconies, carports or crawl spaces.
Bronson Reminds Consumers/Gas Stations About Problems With Old Gas Pumps (5/28/08) - Bronson is reminding motorists they should aware of potential gas pricing problems at older pumps. They are being asked to contact the department if they find gas prices posted per half gallon or any other deviation from the per gallon cost.
Bronson Calls For Federal Probe Of Fuel Prices; Urges Washington To Continue Alternative Fuel Push (5/23/08) - Bronson today called on Congress and the Bush Administration to launch full and thorough investigations into skyrocketing fuel prices which are threatening the state and U.S. economy, as well as jeopardizing national security.
Bronson Recommends Floridians Follow Basic Firewise Principles For Home Protection (5/21/08) - Bronson is urging state residents to take action around their homes to prevent wildfires damage. “There are simple Firewise principles that everyone can put into practice immediately with little or no cost.” Bronson said.
Bronson Urges Public To Dispose Of Potentially Tainted Pork Crackling Product (5/20/08) - Bronson today urged consumers to dispose of a pork crackling product produced by Sofia Chicharones Inc. of Miami and sold at the company’s retail store on May 12 due to possible salmonella contamination.
Florida Agencies, FTC Announce Local Results For National Telemarketing Sweep (5/20/08) - Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and a series of Florida partners today announced the results of a national telemarketing fraud sweep, including several actions taken throughout Florida over the past few months.
Bronson Urges Floridians To Remain Vigilant As Wildfire Season Heats Up (5/12/08) - Bronson is reminding Floridians to be cautious as the wildfire danger continues to increase and is also asking for the public’s help to combat arson. “Wildfires over the weekend led to the closing of I-95 in two places on Sunday and serve as a reminder that this year’s wildfire season is not over,” Bronson said.
Bronson Files Lawsuit Against Company for Violating "Do Not Call" Law (5/12/08) - A lawsuit filed in Sarasota County Circuit Court alleges that Eagle Development of Sarasota County LLC, made at least 32 calls to Florida residents on the state’s “Do Not Call” list between May of 2007 and January of 2008.
Bronson Announces Statewide Sweep Of Telemarketing Businesses; 12 Arrests Made For Illegal Telemarketing (4/18/08) - Bronson announced today that law enforcement officers from his department have arrested 12 people for engaging in illegal telemarketing. The arrests were made during a three-week sweep of more than 100 telemarketing operations in Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties launched to assure that telemarketing businesses were registered with the state and complying with all applicable regulations.
Bronson Announces Arrest of Unlicensed Mover in Central Florida (3/14/08) - Bronson announced today the arrest of a Central Florida man for operating a moving company without a license. According to Bronson’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE), the suspect - Danny Kent Brown, 37, the operator of Payless Movers - was arrested last evening when his company showed up to move the household goods of an OALE undercover officer.
Bronson Announces Arrest of Pest Control Operator for Dumping Toxic Chemicals In Orlando (3/6/08) - According to investigators with Bronson’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE), Michael J. Rivera, 43, of Orlando, was observed by OALE investigators earlier today dumping a toxic pesticide into an uninhabited parcel of wooded land on the corner of Goldenrod Boulevard and Bryan Road, in Orlando.
Bronson Joins Consumer Advocates to Sponsor 10th Annual National Consumer Protection Week (2/29/08) - Bronson has joined a group of federal, state, and local government agencies and national consumer advocacy organizations to launch the10th annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 2-8, 2008. Bronson sponsored a resolution approved by the Governor and Cabinet.
Marathon High School Wins State Lifesmarts Championship (2/19/08) - A five-member team of high-school students from Marathon has won the State LifeSmarts Championship held at the Florida State Fair in Tampa.
Florida High School Teams Compete for a Spot at National LifeSmarts (2/08/08) - Bronson has announced that dozens of high school students from around the state will compete to determine which schools’ team is most knowledgeable about consumer issues. The annual “LifeSmarts ... the Ultimate Consumer Challenge” competition is held in states across the U.S. and the winning state teams then go on to compete for the national title.
Bronson Warns Consumers To Avoid Tax Rebate Scam (2/05/08) - Bronson is warning consumers about scam artists who are seeking personal information and in some instances money while claiming to help consumers in obtaining a tax rebate from the federal government.
Bronson Announces Sweep Of Duval County Auto Repair Shops (1/14/08) - Bronson announced today that investigators from his department have begun a countywide sweep of motor vehicle repair shops in Duval County to make sure they are registered with the state and complying with regulations governing estimate and invoices.
Bronson Announces Arrest In Sweepstake Scam (1/11/08) - Bronson announced the arrest today of a South Florida man involved in a fraudulent sweepstakes scheme. David M. Raff, 45, of Weston, turned himself in to the Broward County Detention Center earlier today where he was booked for grand theft, a third degree felony.
Bronson Releases Top Consumer Complaints For 2007 (1/07/08) - Bronson has announced that violations of Florida’s Do Not Call law once again lead the list of written complaints filed with the department in 2007. However, the number of complaints dropped by more than 500 from the previous year.
Bronson Files Lawsuit Against Company for Violating Do Not Call Law (1/07/08) - A lawsuit filed in Leon County Circuit Court alleges that Meredian Financial Corporation, of Costa Mesa, California made at least 19 calls to Florida residents on the state’s Do Not Call list in 2006 and 2007.
