FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A class-action lawsuit claims Professional Parking Management is violating state and local laws.
The company, which runs several private parking lots in Broward County, was issuing notices for fines that looked like law enforcement citations.
Consumers felt threatened. In response, a Broward County ordinance put an end to the practice.
“They just chose to ignore the ordinance,” Attorney Daniel DeSouza said.
The Florida legislature also passed a bill that limits how these companies can be regulated. If Gov. Ron DeSantis signs it into law, Broward County will have to repeal the ordinance.
“This ordinance was written and unanimously approved by the Broward County Commission to protect consumers,” Commissioner Mark Bogen said. “It is truly unfortunate and a loss to both our residents and visitors, that the Florida Legislature chose to get involved and supersede our actions.”
Related story: ‘It’s a scam’: Broward commissioners make private parking citations unlawful
Professional Parking Management released a statement saying the lawsuit lacks merit because the ordinance contained a clause that allows companies that were already in operation to continue their work on behalf of existing parking venue owners or operators.
“A repeal of the 2021 ordinance has already received initial support of the Broward County Commission because they realize these $45 notices are a better solution for consumers than the $73 boot charge, or the $160+ towing charge imposed by companies involved in those operations.”
State records show the business is registered to a postal service store where you can rent out mailboxes in Las Olas. The company is also facing another lawsuit that was filed in February.
According to the Better Business Bureau, the company has an “F” rating with 755 complaints.
“The business doesn’t cooperate with the BBB to aid the consumer and to provide accurate reporting,” said Cinthya Lavin, of the BBB, adding drivers need to be very careful about where they are parking their cars.
Read the complaint
Read the ordinance