ComplaintsforFile Florida Co
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Complaint Details
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Initial Complaint
04/30/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Answered
The company is falsely portraying itself as an official Florida state government website for annual business filing reports. I insist on a refund of $275, the sum I paid under the impression I was renewing my annual report with the Department of Business. It's unjust for me to pay $275 when the actual fee for the annual report is only $138. I now feel compelled to verify websites thoroughly before sharing any information, especially after disclosing my EIN number.Company: U-Zone **************Business response
05/15/2024
Hello,
Our annual report services include a satisfaction guarantee.
Client responded to an email offer for annual report filing services. We are not linked to or affiliated with the state of Florida or sunbiz.org. We do not falsely state our affiliation. Client was not redirected from sunbiz. Client clicked on our email offer and purchased directly from our website.
Email is just one tool we use to acquire clients. That's also why we feel the need to provide excess disclosure.
Our email offer includes the following promptly displayed.
Our email Subject line includes specific language that our email is an Offer.
Additionally, the opening line in our email reads: This email offer:
Additionally, the email body of our email and on every page of our website has the following disclosure front and center.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: You won't need to buy anything from this company, and the company is NOT affiliated, endorsed, or approved by any governmental entity. The item offered in this advertisement has NOT been approved or endorsed by any governmental agency, and this offer is NOT being made by an agency of the government. If you'd like to avoid using our service and would like to prevent our convenience fee, you can file directly on the state Sunbiz website.
As well as explicitly stating that we charge a fee for our services.We cannot issue a full refund, as we have paid the state fee on behalf of the client (same as if they paid state directly). We have issued a refund of our processing fee of $136.25. Please allow a few days to reflect on the card.
We trust the refund meets clients satisfaction.Initial Complaint
04/29/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Sales and Advertising Issues
- Status:
- Answered
4/29/24 I feel like I was robbed. I kept getting emails as reminders about filing. I thought they were legit but charged me $275.00. This is my 1st year filing and it's truly sad that I got ripped off. I either want full refund or reimburse me for a high dollar ridiculous fee that was charged.Business response
04/30/2024
Hello BBB, We have researched the complaint and can confirm the client has already been refunded. Once an order is placed, clients receive an email order confirmation and receipt with a link to cancel their order should they change their mind. Order was voided/refunded.Initial Complaint
04/04/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
I have unfortunately responded to an email from File Florida which completely misled me to believe that the email was from Florida ******** of corporations to file my annual report. It looks exactly identical!!! They charged me $275 instead of $138 which is insane! I didnt want to use their service, had no intention of using their service and have no idea why they trying to cheat people for believing they are Florida ******** of Corporations which they are not and charge people DOUBLE!Business response
04/17/2024
We apologize for any confusion. Our annual report filing services includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee and include a free annual amendment. We have refunded the client $125.00, as we did pay the state fee as part of filing the annual report. Attached is a copy of the refund documentation and the annual report we filed with the state.
About our email offer, our email Subject line includes specific language that our email is an Offer.
Additionally, the opening line in our email reads: This email offer:
Lastly, the email body of our email and on every page of our website has the following disclosure front and center.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: You won't need to buy anything from this company, and the company is NOT affiliated, endorsed, or approved by any governmental entity. The item offered in this advertisement has NOT been approved or endorsed by any governmental agency, and this offer is NOT being made by an agency of the government. If you'd like to avoid using our service and would like to prevent our convenience fee, you can file directly on the state Sunbiz website.
As well as explicitly stating that we charge a fee for our services.We hope this addresses the clients concern.
File FL Support
Customer response
04/24/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
***********************Initial Complaint
04/03/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Order Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
I recieved an email very similir that the ones I use to recived every year to file our business yearly report, they linking to efile with all my business informations, so I went ahead truthly beliving that was from Sunbiz directly with a new version of filling this year after all my information was there directly with out any other information input required from my side. I could't see the charges clearly until is was paid, so I fille my company and my wife company as well, after 1 minute to finished the process i recieved the SHOCK of $275.00 was charge to my company account and to my wife account, after complain with my Bank they call a legitimie transaction. So I was F.word twice. I can understang as a business person that you can charge whatever you want for your services, BUT under any circunstaces you should imitated a legitimate corporation, (Sunbiz organzation in this case) to steal people money. This kind of scams companies are a shame in our society.Business response
04/03/2024
Hello, Our services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We are happy to refund our fee of $125.00 We can't refund the entire amount as we pass the state fee directly to the state as part of the filing process. Unfortunately, based on clients name and email in the BBB complaint, we can't confirm the client's transaction and do need to know the specific company and if possible their Florida document so we can further research. They may respond here or email s at ******************************* so we can review and refund.Customer response
04/05/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me as long as you considering the 2 companies reports. 1 CB electrical Panels LLC and 1 for Bamboo Behavioral Services.
Sincerely,
********************* *****Initial Complaint
04/03/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Customer Service Issues
- Status:
- Answered
The business falsely claims to be an official Florida state government website for annual business filing reports. They take your money and then become unresponsive. There is no answer via phone, nor any response via email. This complaint represents at least the second attempt to address these issues. I want my $275 back! I have paid the annual fee myselfBusiness response
04/03/2024
Hello,
Our annual report services include a satisfaction guarantee. We already previously voided clients payment and charge did not go through. This was emailed to him previously. Please see attached communication. If client has documentation from credit card company of a charge, we will gladly look into and resolve.
Client responded to an email offer for annual report filing services. We are not linked to or affiliated with sunbiz.org. Client was not redirected from sunbiz. Client clicked on our email offer and purchased directly from our website.
Email is just one tool we use to acquire clients. That's also why we feel the need to provide excess disclosure.
Our email offer includes the following promptly displayed.
Our email Subject line includes specific language that our email is an Offer.
Additionally, the opening line in our email reads: This email offer:
Additionally, the email body of our email and on every page of our website has the following disclosure front and center.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: You won't need to buy anything from this company, and the company is NOT affiliated, endorsed, or approved by any governmental entity. The item offered in this advertisement has NOT been approved or endorsed by any governmental agency, and this offer is NOT being made by an agency of the government. If you'd like to avoid using our service and would like to prevent our convenience fee, you can file directly on the state Sunbiz website.Initial Complaint
03/15/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Billing Issues
- Status:
- Answered
Hi I went to the Florida **************************** of Corporations as i always do annually and instead of being charged the typical $150, i was charged $275.I believe it is a system error and am asking fora refund for the $125 thank you!Business response
03/15/2024
Hello,
We believe client has a misunderstanding. Client responded to an email offer from **, File Florida Company and purchased annual report services. If they went directly to the state, they would not have transacted through us. Regardless, client emailed us prior to us being notified of the BBB complaint and we canceled the order. We believe this issue has been resolved as order was canceled. Attached is our communication reflecting how responsive we were to clients misunderstanding.
Initial Complaint
02/20/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Answered
I went to the official Florida **** of ***** website to register and pay my ***** 2024 Annual Report Filing Notice for my LLC. I filled out the form on the state's official site (Sunbiz.org) and clicked on the payment button and was immediately brought to the FileFlorida web page where it asked for my credit card information. I thought this was a little strange but figured that the ***** of Florida was using an outside pay vehicle this year. When I received my receipt, I realized that the charge of $275.00 was not what the ***** of Florida charges, namely $138.75. For the record, I did receive an email from File Florida reminding me to pay but I ignored it and went directly to Sunbiz.org instead. I am asking for a REFUND of $136.25, the difference between what I was charged less the $275.00. The Florida **** of ***** should be aware of the scam and put an end to it.Business response
02/20/2024
Our annual report services include a satisfaction guarantee. We have issued a refund of our processing fee.
Client responded to an email offer for annual report filing services. We are not linked to or affiliated with sunbiz.org. Client was not redirected from sunbiz. Client clicked on our email offer and purchased directly from our website.
Email is just one tool we use to acquire clients. That's also why we feel the need to provide excess disclosure.
Our email offer includes the following promptly displayed.
Our email Subject line includes specific language that our email is an Offer.
Additionally, the opening line in our email reads: This email offer:
Additionally, the email body of our email and on every page of our website has the following disclosure front and center.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: You won't need to buy anything from this company, and the company is NOT affiliated, endorsed, or approved by any governmental entity. The item offered in this advertisement has NOT been approved or endorsed by any governmental agency, and this offer is NOT being made by an agency of the government. If you'd like to avoid using our service and would like to prevent our convenience fee, you can file directly on the state Sunbiz website.
As well as explicitly stating that we charge a fee for our services.
We trust the refund meets clients satisfaction.
Below is proof we have issued the refund.
Refund from File Florida
Receipt #****-4477
REFUNDED
$136.25 DATE ISSUED
Feb 20, 2024, 10:55:22 PM REFUNDED TO
- 9463
This email is to confirm that your refund has been issued by File Florida. It can take approximately 10 days to appear on your statement. If it takes longer please contact your bank for assistance.Initial Complaint
01/03/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Sales and Advertising Issues
- Status:
- Answered
What does it say about a company that relies on deceptive emails for business , and although they reversed the charge had I not received alert from cap one showing a charge twice the filling fee that the state charges for annual report I would have thought I file with the state like I do every year and takes total of 5 min, and Im sure there will be their standard reply how they offer a service bla bla bla bla bla, the fact is without the shady emails trying to appear official and the busy lives of corporate owners they probably would be in businessBusiness response
01/04/2024
We received an order from ******* with our company and we soon after received a request from him to cancel the order, which we promptly did.
We apologize for any confusion caused. We provide numerous disclosures that we are a private third party, including but not limited to the large disclosure in our advertisement and on top of every page of our website shown here:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: You are NOT required to purchase anything from this company and the company is NOT affiliated, endorsed, or approved by any governmental entity. The item offered in this advertisement has NOT been approved or endorsed by any governmental agency, and this offer is NOT being made by an agency of the government.
Initial Complaint
06/04/2023
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Answered
I have an LLC and I received an email from File Florida LLC stating I hadnt filed my annual report. I clicked the link in their email thinking I was filing and paid them $275 on April 6. I received a confirmation and the email stated that my filing status would be updated on the Florida ********** of ************** of Corporations website. The email and everything looked official. This week, I received a notice from the Florida ********** of ******* stating I hadnt filed my annual return and that I owed a significant amount of money as a result. I reached out to them saying I had and provided the receipt I received from File Florida and the Florida ********** of ******* said I hadnt filed. That is when I realized that File Florida is a scam. Now I am dealing with rectifying my own taxes and Ive been scammed out of my own hard earned money. I hope action can be taken against File Florida and that others do not fall victim to the scam that I and many others have been victim to.Business response
06/13/2023
The customer here is confused. There are two separate Annual Report filings in Florida. One Annual Report is filed with the ******** of Corporations to maintain active status in the state. The other Annual Report is a tax related filing with the ********** of ******** They are completely separate filings that have nothing to do with each other.
Our company offers assistance with the annual report for the ******** of Corporations. The customer filed with ** on April 6th and we fulfilled the filing with the state on April 7th. We have attached proof of the filing downloaded directly from the ******** of Corporations website.
Clearly the customer is conflating the ********** of Revenue's annual report requirement with the ******** of Corporation's annual report requirement. We have just reached out to her to help explain the situation.
Since we did indeed fulfill our service and this is simply a case of confusion, we ask that this complaint be dismissed. We are happy to provide any further information or clarification necessary.
Initial Complaint
03/21/2023
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
This company falsely tricked me into thinking they were the entity to renew my Annual Report for our church. We are ************************ and I did not realize this File Florida was a scam until I put in my credit card information in and when I hit continue it took me to a page that stated, "you will receive a receipt within an hour and to possibly check my spam mail". No legitimate company receipt goes to a spam mail. There was no listed cost for the the service and I did not agree to any fees. I thought this was just the place where you add payment and then move to another screen where you verify everything and then click accept or pay. I immediately tried calling File Florida to demand a refund. Their number ************** rang and rang and rang and then ******* automated voice stated this number is not in service. They charge $195.00 which I would never have agreed too. The cost of filing is $64.00. I have no written proof other than the charge that comes up in my checking account stating File Florida.Business response
04/05/2023
We received an order from ***** with our company. She later emailed saying she wanted a refund and we immediately voided her payment and cancelled her order.
We provide numerous disclosures that we are a private third party, including but not limited to the large disclosure in our advertisement and on top of every page of our website shown here:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: You are NOT required to purchase anything from this company and the company is NOT affiliated, endorsed, or approved by any governmental entity. The item offered in this advertisement has NOT been approved or endorsed by any governmental agency, and this offer is NOT being made by an agency of the government.Additionally, we do disclose our company fees both on our payment page and our FAQS page. On our payment page we have the text: "The payable amount includes state fees as well as File Florida Co service fees. More information on payment breakdown can be found on our FAQs page. Included with your filing is one free amendment to your annual report, as well as one free dissolution filing, valid up to the end of the calendar year. Please direct any questions to *******************************."
We apologize for any inconvenience caused to ***** however again we'd like to reiterate we immediately voided their payment, within 5 minutes of their request to do so.
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Contact Information
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd STE 210
Boca Raton, FL 33433-3430
Customer Complaints Summary
14 total complaints in the last 3 years.
10 complaints closed in the last 12 months.