Abandoned fitness club members could get refund

Navarre Fitness closed suddenly and without notice in February, leaving behind dozens of paid members wondering how to get their money back.

Ex-member Adrianna Domingos-Lupher did the research and learned Florida requires  “health studios”  to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Some businesses also are required to post a security bond to protect members if the business fails and can’t repay members or transfer their memberships to another studio within five miles.

Domingos-Lupher said former members have 60 days from the club’s closing to file a complaint and provide documentation for a refund. Owner Brian Yaniga cleared out the business’ belongings Feb. 16, so former members should make sure they’ve submitted their complaints by tax day, April 15.

To file a complaint online, go to www.800helpfla.com and click on the  “File a Complaint”  link on the left side of the page. They will be asked to either click on a link to file an online complaint or print and mail the complaint form. Regardless of whether the complaint is filed online or mailed in, members are required to  “mail any supporting documents, such as letters written or received from the business, contracts, canceled checks, receipts or any other proof of purchase/service”  to:
 
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Division of Consumer Services
Terry Lee Rhodes Building
2005 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL  32399-6500

Once the complaint and supporting documents are received, the Division of Consumer Services will review the case and forward the information to the reported business. The  business will have 30 days to respond to the complaint. For more information, go to the Division of Consumer Affairs, Complaint Submission Confirmation page at http://www.800helpfla.com/compconfirm.html.