JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A recently filed lawsuit by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier claims that a Jacksonville-based company engaged in deceptive and unfair business practices related to the sale of hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, and swim spas.
According to the complaint filed last week, Premier Outdoor USA/Outdoor Dreams Company and its owner, Shaun Jackrel, allegedly violated the state’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) by selling damaged/defective products, accepting payment but failing to deliver corresponding products, failing to correct orders with errors, abandoning projects after payment and failed to compensate consumers, and failed to honor warranties or provide refunds for canceled purchases.
Although based in Duval County, the company is believed to have “adversely impacted” at least 30 customers in Arizona, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia, as well as Florida, between July 2020 and March of this year.
Additionally, the attorney general’s lawsuit is seeking $394,242.32 in restitution for the customers negatively affected by the company’s alleged deceptive practices and about $330,000 in civil penalties, which includes $240,000 for 24 violations ($10,000 each) and $90,000 for six violations ($15,000 each).
Read the full lawsuit below.
In August 2024, the News4JAX I-TEAM received several complaints from customers earlier in the year accusing Premier Outdoor USA of bad business practices for faulty or missing equipment and incomplete kitchens.
At the time, the State Attorney’s Office told News4JAX it had received 39 complaints against the business, which led to a class action lawsuit filed against the outdoor kitchen and hot tub company.
Jacksonville Councilman Rory Diamond was also vocal about his efforts to lead litigation for wronged consumers.
“This is a Jacksonville company, so obviously, you know, we don’t like that out here,” Diamond said in 2024. “In my opinion, they’ve absolutely defrauded consumers, and it’s our job just to make them whole again.”
In a statement to News4JAX, Shaun Jackrel of Premier Outdoor USA said he has cooperated fully with the Florida Attorney General’s Office and provided documentation showing that the company resolved nearly all valid warranty claims, issued refunds, and upgraded products when necessary.
“These facts were submitted to the AGO, along with signed service orders, emails, and other documentation proving completed work,” Jackrel said. “When I learned of the scope of this misinformation campaign, I took immediate action. I removed the former President of Operations and personally took over customer service, ensuring that each case was handled with care, regardless of policy. We did more than what was required because we believe in our product and our customers.”
Jackrel called the lawsuit a result of a media “smear campaign” led by competitors and individuals with similar business names, which he says has caused confusion and misled the public. He added that the negative coverage contributed to the closure of two of its businesses and emphasized that the majority of his customers—over 99%—were satisfied.
Jackrel said he remains committed to transparency and is prepared to defend his company’s record in court.
