Legal Question in Consumer Law in Florida

Misleading vacation package

I purchased a vacation package over the phone from a company located in FL and was mislead as to the T&C. I was told that after paying $800 vacation package, I was told:

the only additional cost is a reservation fee of $25

minimum age requirement is 21 years old

I would have up to 7 years to use the vacations.

After purchasing, I received the terms and conditions in the mail and I noticed that the age requirement is 25 (I am 22). If I would like to extend the time span for more then 2 years, I must pay a membership fee of $149 per year and there is an additional fee of $199 per person for the cruise.

To add it up, if I held onto the vacation package for 7 years and take all of the vacations, it will cost an additional $1143. This is very different from the statement the salesperson made to me at the time of purchase which was the only additional fee is a $25 registration fee.

The company has refused a refund request. I have contacted the BBB and there are 22 claims from last year and 15 this year for the company.

What can I do to receive a refund? Is this a case for small claims in DC where I live or in FL where the company is?

Has anyone ever had experience with this in the past?

Thank you in advance.


Asked on 8/01/01, 2:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Worsham Michael C. Worsham, Esq.

Re: Misleading vacation package

I have sued a Florida Company for illegal junk faxing that was later penalized heavily by the FTC for various infractions. They are out of business but it sounds like yours is not. My focus has been on the illegal faxing, but the deals advertised on the fax generally look too good to be true. I anticipate suing one of these travel companies in D.C. for a client who receives travel junk faxes in D.C. You can probably sue them in D.C. small claims court if the deal was contracted for in D.C. You need to read what you signed with them. I am very interested in knowing the name of the company, and would appreciate it if you could inform me of this. YOu can contact the BBB, and also the Florida Dept. of Agriculture, which is where consumer affairs is located. Florida is target of travel scams, so they should take interest in your problem. - Michael Worsham, [email protected]

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Answered on 8/01/01, 7:46 pm


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