Parking Dispute Resolution Steps

Summary

In Florida, private parking fines may not be enforceable like city-issued tickets. Document all notices and evidence, such as Google Maps history and parking app records, to dispute the charge. Contact Vanguard with your evidence, and consider consulting a local attorney for guidance. You can also file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the Better Business Bureau if you believe the charge is unfair. If considering a class action, gather support from others with similar complaints and seek legal advice.

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I live in Florida and I got a parking payment notice from a company called Vanguard asking for $*.* for a bogus charge, they claimed I parked in their lot for * hour and * minutes in an open shopping center lot when in reality I was there to purchase something from a store I parked for max * minutes, then came back to the same lot a little bit after an hour because my order was not right to exchange it. they took pictures both times and they claimed I was there the whole time. In the notice, they asked me to visit a website for questions but I'm worried that if I do they will use it to confirm I received the notice. this is the second notice, I was out of town for * weeks so I saw them both yesterday, the initial one was for $*.* which they added extra for "late payment". They claim they claimed by parking there i agreed to the terms and conditions clearly displayed at the parking facility which I didn't see. again this is an open parking lot on a busy street with many businesses in that shopping strip what should I do in this case
Hi ****,
It seems like you're dealing with a parking dispute. Here are some steps you can take:
- **Document everything:** Keep the notices and any receipts from the store.
- **Appeal the charge:** Contact Vanguard to dispute the charge, explaining your situation and providing evidence.
- **Check local laws:** In Florida, such private parking fines may not be enforceable like city-issued tickets.
Have you contacted the store where you made the purchase to see if they can assist in verifying your visit times?
no, I paid in cash and it was a month ago so i hardly think they would remember. However, my phone is tracking my movement on the google maps app which clearly show that I wasn't there as long as they claim. Also, I was lucky to have parked in another lot during the same time they claimed I was there and have the information in my parking app history
Hi ****,
Here are some additional steps you can take:
- **Use Your Evidence:** Your Google Maps history and parking app records can help dispute the charge.
- **Contact Vanguard:** Present your evidence and explain the situation.
- **Seek Legal Advice:** Consider consulting a local attorney for guidance on private parking disputes in Florida.
Would you like further assistance?
I think I'm not sure If I should contact Vanguard because I'm worried they will use that as a proof that I received that notice. I don't understand how they can legally just send me such a notice and threat to go after me with collection and legal.
Hi ****,
To address your concerns:
- **Document Everything:** Keep all notices and your evidence (Google Maps and parking app records).
- **Legal Advice:** Consulting a local attorney can provide clarity on the enforceability of such notices in Florida.
- **Contact Vanguard:** If you fear it proves receipt, consult an attorney first.
Would you like help finding a local attorney?
consulting an attorney would cost more than the ticket
Hi ****,
I understand your concern about the cost of consulting an attorney. Here are some additional steps you can take:
- **Document Everything:** Continue to keep all notices and your evidence.
- **Consumer Protection:** Check with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for advice on disputing private parking fees.
- **Better Business Bureau:** File a complaint with the BBB if you believe the charge is unfair.
Would you like more information on any of these?
yes more about consumer protection
Hi ****,
Here is some information about consumer protection in Florida:
- **Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS):**
- Handles consumer complaints and disputes.
- You can file a complaint online on their website.
- **Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA):**
- Protects consumers from unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce.
Would you like details on how to file a complaint with FDACS?
yes please
Hi ****,
Here are the details on how to file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS):
- **Website:** Visit the FDACS website to file a complaint online.
- **Process:** Follow the instructions on the FDACS website to submit your complaint and provide all evidence.
- **Contact:** You can also call FDACS at *-*-HELP-FLA (*-*-*-*) for assistance.
Would you like more information on the complaint process?
I feel the practice of Vanguard parking of sending people excessive unwarned parking bills especially in this case is illegal and worth going after them for a civil class action
Hi ****,
To consider a class action lawsuit, here are some steps:
- **Document Everything:** Keep all notices and evidence.
- **Gather Support:** Find others with similar complaints against Vanguard.
- **Consult an Attorney:** For class action lawsuits, legal advice is crucial.
Would you like help finding resources to connect with others who might have similar complaints?
can you help me draft an email to send to an attorney to bitch a class action to them given the info I listed below
Sure, here's a draft for your email:
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Subject: Potential Class Action Against Vanguard Parking
Dear [Attorney’s Name],
My name is ****, and I am seeking legal assistance regarding a potential class action lawsuit against Vanguard Parking. I recently received two unjustified parking notices from them, and I believe their practices may be illegal.
Here are the details:
- I received a notice for $*.* from Vanguard, claiming I parked for * hour and * minutes in an open shopping center lot, when in reality I only parked for a maximum of * minutes and later returned to the same lot for a brief time to exchange a purchase.
- The initial notice was for $*.*, with additional charges for "late payment."
- Vanguard claims that by parking there, I agreed to their terms and conditions, which were not clearly displayed.
- I have evidence from Google Maps and my parking app showing I was not there for the duration they claim.
I am concerned about their threats of collection and legal action. I believe this situation, along with similar experiences from other consumers, warrants a class action lawsuit.
Could we discuss this further? I appreciate your time and expertise.
Best regards,
****
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Feel free to adjust any specifics or add any additional
I wrote the following email to Vanguard parking to dispute the charges, can you please review it and let me know if i should change anything
Sure, please provide the email you wrote so I can review it for you.
Dear Vanguard Parking Solutions, I recently returned from a trip yesterday to discover two mailed Parking Payment Notices regarding an alleged parking violation on */*/* at your * Alton Road parking facility. I am writing to dispute these notices, as they contain inaccuracies. The notices claim that my vehicle was parked in your lot continuously from *:* PM to *:* PM as it shows that as the Entry and Exit time. However, this claim is inaccurate. On the date and time in question, I briefly stopped by Pinecrest Bakery located at * Alton twice: For less than * minutes around *:* PM and got some pastry to go. Then left and went to Lincoln and discovered my order was incorrect, An hour later, I returned to Pinecrest Bakery briefly to exchange the incorrect order. Between these visits, I was not in your parking facility and I have proof of that. Specifically: My phone’s location data from Google Maps confirms that I left the area shortly after my first visit. Additionally, I parked in a separate parking lot (Zone #* near Lincoln Road) between *:* PM and *:* PM. I have proof of this session via my parking app records, which I can provide if necessary. The photographs included in the notices fail to distinguish between my two short visits and incorrectly represent my parking activity. Given the above, I respectfully request that the notices and associated charges be dismissed. Please confirm in writing that this matter has been resolved and that no further action will be taken against me. I look forward to your prompt response. Should you require additional documentation, I am happy to provide it. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Thanks, **** P.S. You may ignore this since it is not directly relevant to this case, but for the record, I would like to note that I did not agree to any terms or conditions at the lot and I have concerns about this situation. However, I am only looking to resolve this dispute.
Hi ****,
Your email is well-written and provides clear details about your dispute. Here are a few minor edits for clarity and conciseness:
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Subject: Dispute of Parking Payment Notices
Dear Vanguard Parking Solutions,
I recently returned from a trip and discovered two Parking Payment Notices regarding an alleged parking violation on */*/* at your * Alton Road parking facility. I am writing to dispute these notices, as they contain inaccuracies. The notices claim my vehicle was parked continuously from *:* PM to *:* PM, which is incorrect.
On the date and time in question, I briefly stopped by Pinecrest Bakery at * Alton twice:
- For less than * minutes around *:* PM to get some pastry to go.
- An hour later, I returned briefly to exchange an incorrect order.
Between these visits, I was not in your parking facility, and I have proof:
- My phone’s Google Maps location data confirms I left the area shortly after my first visit.
- I parked in a separate lot (Zone #* near Lincoln Road) between *:* PM and *:* PM. I have proof of this session via my parking app records.
The photographs included in
your response has been cutoff I can't see the full response can you do it again
Of course, ****. Here is the complete revised email for you:
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Subject: Dispute of Parking Payment Notices
Dear Vanguard Parking Solutions,
I recently returned from a trip and discovered two Parking Payment Notices regarding an alleged parking violation on */*/* at your * Alton Road parking facility. I am writing to dispute these notices, as they contain inaccuracies. The notices claim my vehicle was parked continuously from *:* PM to *:* PM, which is incorrect.
On the date and time in question, I briefly stopped by Pinecrest Bakery at * Alton twice:
- For less than * minutes around *:* PM to get some pastry to go.
- An hour later, I returned briefly to exchange an incorrect order.
Between these visits, I was not in your parking facility, and I have proof:
- My phone’s Google Maps location data confirms I left the area shortly after my first visit.
- I parked in a separate lot (Zone #* near Lincoln Road) between *:* PM and *:* PM. I have proof of this session via my parking app records.
The photographs included in the notices fail to distinguish between my two short visits and incorrectly represent my parking
please continue your response from "two short visits and incorrectly represent my parking"
Certainly, ****. Here is the continuation:
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activity.
Given the above, I respectfully request that the notices and associated charges be dismissed. Please confirm in writing that this matter has been resolved and that no further action will be taken against me.
I look forward to your prompt response. Should you require additional documentation, I am happy to provide it.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
****
P.S. Although I did not agree to any terms or conditions at the lot, I am only looking to resolve this dispute amicably.
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Feel free to send this revised email to Vanguard Parking Solutions.