A Florida hot tub business owner is being sued by the state’s Attorney General for deceptive and unfair business practices.
According to the complaint, which was filed in the Duval County Circuit Court on July 23, Shaun Jackrel and his Jacksonville-based companies, Premier Outdoor USA and Outdoor Dreams Company, sold damaged, defective, or undelivered hot tubs, swim spas, and outdoor kitchens.
At least 30 customers from five states have accused Jackrel and his companies of accepting payment but failing to deliver their purchases between December 2021 and March 2025.
Consumers from Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia say that they were sold hot tubs and swim spas that were broken or defective. Some say they paid in full but never received their products. Others say that the company failed to measure correctly and delivered poorly fitting equipment. Those who filed complaints were rarely provided with a refund.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is suing Jackrel and his companies for violating the state’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) by selling damaged or defective products, accepting payment but failing to deliver corresponding products, failing to correct orders with errors, abandoning projects after payment without compensating consumers, and failing to honor warranties or provide refunds for canceled purchases. Jackrel has maintained his innocence throughout the scandal, calling the lawsuit the result of a media smear campaign led by his competitors.
In a statement to local news source News4JAX, Jackrel 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 said the negative media coverage contributed to the closure of his businesses and that he’s prepared to defend his reputation in court.
The Attorney General is requesting consumer restitution in the amount of $394,242 and civil penalties in the amount of $330,000.
The Attorney General is also requesting that the court permanently ban Jackrel from engaging in any business related to the sale of hot tubs or outdoor kitchens in the state of Florida.
