A Pinellas County resident has taken legal action against a local auto dealership, alleging deceptive trade practices and misrepresentation. On July 9, 2024, Jeffery Knuckles filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in and for Pinellas County, Florida, against Standard Auto of Tampa, LLC.
The case stems from Knuckles' purchase of a 2014 Ford Escape from Standard Auto of Tampa on March 15, 2023. According to the complaint, the dealership assured Knuckles that the vehicle had undergone thorough inspection and maintenance, including an oil change, brake replacement, and battery replacement. Additionally, they claimed that the car had no accident or damage history except for a minor dent on its rear panel. Based on these representations, Knuckles agreed to buy the vehicle for $8,500 and paid a $140 deposit to hold it overnight.
However, after completing the purchase and paying an additional $395 "Delivery & Handling" fee along with a $200 three-month powertrain warranty fee—totaling $8,560—Knuckles began experiencing issues with the vehicle almost immediately. The check engine light came on shortly after leaving the dealership. When he returned for service under warranty, he was told it merely needed resetting. Subsequently, the purportedly new battery died. A system test at Advance Auto Parts revealed a fault with the turbocharger.
Further inspections by Karl Flammer Ford and Main Street Automotive uncovered pre-existing accident damage that had not been repaired. Both technicians advised that without extensive repairs, the vehicle was unsafe to operate. Despite informing Standard Auto of Tampa about these findings, Knuckles claims they refused to resolve his concerns and insisted he got a good deal on the car.
Knuckles alleges that Standard Auto of Tampa engaged in unfair trade practices by charging predelivery service fees without including required statutory disclosures about those fees' nature. He asserts this is part of a broader pattern affecting many customers over several years. Consequently, he seeks class-action status for all similarly affected purchasers who were charged such fees without proper disclosure.
The lawsuit accuses Standard Auto of Tampa of violating multiple provisions under Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA). Specifically cited are violations related to misrepresentations about vehicle condition and improper fee disclosures as outlined in Sections 501.976(18) and 320.27(9)(b)(3) & (13) of Florida Statutes.
Knuckles seeks actual damages for himself and other class members equivalent to predelivery service charges paid due to these alleged violations. He also requests declaratory relief affirming that such practices are unlawful under FDUTPA; injunctive relief prohibiting future occurrences; reimbursement for attorney’s fees; costs incurred during litigation; plus any additional relief deemed just by court authorities.
Representing Jeffery Knuckles are attorneys Roger D. Mason II and Autumn D. Carty from Saint Petersburg-based law firm Roger D Mason II PA., while Case Number 24-003046-CI will be presided over by Judge Ken Burke at Pinellas County Circuit Court.