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Author: Jessica Wong

  • ‘Grateful to walk away’: 2 houses in this Florida county were recently engulfed in flames caused by popular lithium-ion batteries — but are battery fires covered by insurance?

    ‘Grateful to walk away’: 2 houses in this Florida county were recently engulfed in flames caused by popular lithium-ion batteries — but are battery fires covered by insurance?

    It started with a lithium-ion battery left charging on a workbench.

    That single battery caused a raging fire that tore through the Odonnell family’s garage in Spring Hill, Florida.

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    “Absolutely it was sitting on his work bench, which is wooden. Probably had some oil and WD-40 and things on it and I think it just went up,” homeowner Cindy Odonnell told WFLA.

    The fire erupted without warning, gutting the entire garage of the home in Hernando County. “And there were fire trucks all up and down the road and there was smoke pouring out of the house and water running down the sides, from all sides from everywhere I could see,” she added.

    The incident makes clear the risk posed by lithium-ion batteries — and it’s a risk that fire departments across the country are sounding the alarm on.

    ‘We’re just grateful to walk away’

    “Lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles, that’s a hot topic in the fire services across the country,” said Hernando County Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier. “There are a large number of fires. Probably right now our leading cause of fires in residential houses is from lithium-ion batteries.”

    Hasenmeier confirmed this is the second lithium-ion battery fire within a few weeks in Hernando County alone.

    Just two weeks before the Venetia Drive garage blaze, Hernando County Fire Rescue responded to another lithium-ion battery fire, this time in Brookridge, at a mobile home on Moriah Avenue, according to a report by WFLA.

    The blaze had started while a golf cart was charging inside a side garage, then quickly spread and engulfed the mobile home. Though firefighters extinguished the fire in about 30 minutes, the property was a total loss. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

    While the Odonnells lost much of their property, they’re counting their blessings.

    “We’re just grateful to walk away from it all,” Steve Odonnell said. He and their beloved three-legged squirrel, Flash, escaped unhurt.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    What are lithium-ion batteries, and where are they used?

    Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, from smartphones and laptops to drills, e-bikes, electric scooters and Teslas. They’re small, lightweight, and pack a lot of energy.

    These batteries store energy using highly reactive chemical compounds. If damaged, overheated or improperly charged, the internal components can trigger a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway,” where the battery self-heats, ignites and explodes.

    As these batteries become cheaper and more widespread, especially in off-brand e-bikes, hoverboards and power tools, fires are becoming a national crisis. Even name-brand batteries can catch fire if left charging too long, stored improperly or paired with incompatible chargers.

    Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover fire damage. But if the fire was caused by misuse, like charging a battery overnight on a flammable surface or using a non-certified charger, your claim could be denied, delayed or reduced.

    If you have a “named perils” policy, only specific causes of damage, like lightning, theft or vandalism, are covered.

    If battery fires aren’t listed, you may not qualify for coverage. On the other hand, “open perils” (also called “all-risk”) policies offer broader protection, covering any damage not explicitly excluded. Even these can contain fine print around personal electronics or third-party devices, so always read the fine print.

    Don’t forget to think about policy caps. Your coverage may be limited to a percentage of your home’s value, regardless of what the repairs actually cost.

    How to protect your home and your wallet

    Fire safety officials are warning homeowners to treat lithium-ion batteries with the same caution as gas-powered appliances or open flames. That means not charging batteries unattended, especially overnight, and always using Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certified products.

    Keep charging stations away from anything flammable. Avoid leaving batteries plugged in after they’re fully charged. And if a battery ever feels hot, starts to swell, or emits a weird smell, get rid of it properly and immediately. Improper disposal can lead to fires in garbage trucks and recycling centers.

    Protect your wallet and check your policy. Make sure you understand the difference between open and named peril coverage, review any exclusions for personal electronics, and ask your agent about endorsements for high-risk items like EV chargers or large-capacity battery packs.

    As fires like the ones in Spring Hill and Brookridge make headlines, it’s clear that lithium-ion batteries are a household risk and an insurance wild card. For now, the best protection is a mix of fire-safe habits and a clear, up-to-date insurance policy.

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘Scared to go out in my yard’: Georgia homeowner says she’s spent over $70K replacing windows thanks to errant balls from nearby golf course — and she wants the club to ‘pay now’

    ‘Scared to go out in my yard’: Georgia homeowner says she’s spent over $70K replacing windows thanks to errant balls from nearby golf course — and she wants the club to ‘pay now’

    Some homeowners in Marietta, Georgia, got more than they bargained for after moving into their picturesque neighborhood across the street from a private country club, dealing with tens of thousands of dollars in property damage over the years.

    The culprits? Rogue golf balls from the course across the street.

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    “I came out with my baby in the garage and glass was all over my car,” Jewel Montgomery recalled to Atlanta News First about a golf ball previously shattering her garage door window in a story published May 21.

    On top of damage like broken windows and dented vehicles, neighbors shared with the broadcaster they’ve had close calls with golf balls nearly hitting them while mowing the lawn or simply sitting on their deck.

    “All of a sudden, a ball hit the bill of my hat,” Ronnie Pope told Atlanta News First, adding the hat protected his face.

    “If they hit my daughter. I’m not going to tolerate it,” Montgomery said, referring to her 9-year-old daughter who sometimes plays in the backyard.

    Montgomery and Pope have lived across from one of Marietta Country Club’s par-4 holes for nearly 25 years, per Atlanta News First. Both were aware of the nearby golf course when they moved in, but they “didn’t have a clue of what was going to be happening after,” Pope said.

    “I’m scared to go out in my yard,” Montgomery said.

    Who foots the bill for the damage?

    Montgomery and Pope say the Marietta Country Club’s insurer paid for the very first broken windows over a decade ago, but nothing else since, the broadcaster reports. Montgomery alone says she’s paid over $70,000 out of pocket to replace multiple windows because she doesn’t want her home insurance premiums to go up for filing claims.

    “The biggie was the picture frame window and my office windows again,” Montgomery said. “I called and called; I sent a certified letter, and then I got a voice message on Dec. 20, 2024, saying they’re not responsible.”

    Atlanta News First says the club did not respond to multiple inquiries about their protocols.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Laws vary by state, but “Georgia recognizes the assumption of risk doctrine,” Ronnie Miles, senior director of advocacy with the National Golf Course Owners Association, told Atlanta News First. This means if you knowingly buy a home near a golf course, you do so understanding the risks involved.

    Miles advises homeowners in this situation to reference land records called easements, which can spell out legal rights attached to the land around a golf course.

    “There’s an easement that goes around the perimeter so many feet out from the property line of the golf course,” he said. “So balls can penetrate and travel into that area.”

    Atlanta News First reports it found documents stating Marietta Country Club’s easement from 1989 protects it from ball-related liability within 30 feet of the property. Montgomery and Pope’s properties, however, are more than 60 feet away. Montgomery says she’s called lawyers but was told they’ll only take on a case if there are injuries.

    “They need to pay now,” Montgomery said of the club. “They need to move the tee box. They need to put up a net and not have the balls coming over here in this neighborhood because we don’t live on the golf course.”

    What to do if you live near a golf course

    Finding yourself on the receiving end of a barrage of golf balls? Here’s how to protect your investment if your home is near a golf course:

    • Look into land records: Check county deeds for any easements that could affect your rights.
    • Track any incidents: Keep photo evidence and records of property damage.
    • Seek legal counsel: Especially if the golf ball frequency has escalated or caused injury.
    • Ask the club to act: Netting, tee box realignment or tree buffers are options, though not always welcomed by neighbors who live on the course.

    The National Golf Course Owners Association reminds golfers it’s possible they can be held liable for property damage from errant shots.

    Whether you’re buying near a course, teeing off on the weekend or watching balls fly through your deck screen, the financial and legal stakes can be very real. If you’re a homebuyer eyeing that fairway view, read the easement and understand the risks.

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘Don’t be embarrassed’: Las Vegas police urge scam victims to ‘come forward right away’ after making 12 arrests linked to ‘security courier’ scheme that conned $3 million out of 24 victims

    ‘Don’t be embarrassed’: Las Vegas police urge scam victims to ‘come forward right away’ after making 12 arrests linked to ‘security courier’ scheme that conned $3 million out of 24 victims

    Las Vegas police have arrested 12 people in connection with a crime wave swindling dozens of victims out of their life savings — not at the casino but on their computers.

    As Las Vegas CBS affiliate 8 News Now reports, 24 victims who lost a total $3 million have come forward to date, launching the investigations that led to the arrests.

    Capt. Noel Roberts of the LVMPD’s Theft Crime Bureau believes more victims may be involved.

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    “Don’t be embarrassed,” he said. “Come forward right away. Let us know, and that way, the sooner our detectives can start this investigation, we have a better chance of solving the case, arresting the suspects, and ultimately getting the money back.”

    In every one of these cases, victims have received an electronic alert, like a pop-up on their laptop, a spoofed email or text message designed to mimic banks or tech giants.

    Capt. Roberts says the scam plays on people’s fears. Victims are led to believe that their financial accounts or their computers have been compromised. That’s when the problems begin.

    Scam involves handing cash to couriers for ‘safekeeping’

    The fraudsters convince victims to hand over large sums of cash to fake “security couriers” for safekeeping while they resolve the problem — whether the victim is convinced their financial accounts or computers have been hacked.

    One shocking case took place last August, after a Las Vegas woman’s computer flashed a warning that her personal information was compromised. Thinking she was calling a tech support line, she was instructed to make two $35,000 cash drops to strangers at separate locations.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    After she reported the loss of $70,000 to police, investigators traced surveillance footage to a vehicle with California plates. The vehicle was linked to Guo Zhongquin, 43, and Lin Lin, 45.

    Zhongquin and Lin were charged and accepted plea deals for possession of stolen property.

    “I just want to apologize to all the victims,” Zhongqui said via translator during sentencing. Lin echoed the apology.

    Judge Tara Clark Newberry sentenced both men to 19 to 48 months in prison and ordered restitution. Prosecutors agreed not to argue for more time as part of the plea bargain.

    What to do if you’ve been scammed

    If you’re a victim of fraud, it’s critical to take steps right away to get back on the path of recovery. The FBI recommends the following steps:

    File a report. Report the scam to local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI. This could help get some of the funds back, but it also helps to prevent future scams.

    Freeze your credit. Get in touch with the major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to freeze your credit so identity thieves can’t open accounts under your name.

    Update passwords and monitor accounts. Change your passwords for all accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible. Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.

    Watch out for "get-rich-quick" schemes. After losing money in a scam, you might be tempted to try to make it back quickly. But high-risk investments can lead to more financial strain. Pause before rushing into any major financial decisions.

    Put together a recovery budget. Start by setting aside a small amount each month, like $50, into a high-yield savings account. This is also a good way to build up an emergency fund in the event you are compromised in the future..

    Get some professional advice. Consult with a financial advisor who can guide you in rebuilding your credit and savings.

    It can be a long road to recovery after being scammed, but with the right steps and some professional guidance, you can regain control of your financial future.

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Community rallies around Utah man, 80, who is now bagging groceries to pay off his wife’s $80,000 medical bills — four years after she died. Here’s how to handle bills you can’t afford

    Community rallies around Utah man, 80, who is now bagging groceries to pay off his wife’s $80,000 medical bills — four years after she died. Here’s how to handle bills you can’t afford

    At Smith’s in St. George, Utah, 80-year-old Gary Saling is a familiar face — always bagging groceries with a smile. But, behind the uniform is a life story few shoppers know.

    Saling once designed multimillion-dollar mansions for Wall Street elites and served Hollywood royalty. Now, he’s still clocking in to pay off $80,000 in medical bills after caring for his late wife at home until her final days.

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    “There is no way I’m a hero. I am not an angel, and I’m certainly not a saint,” Saling told KSBY News.

    Care, costs and a commitment

    As an architect, KSBY reports, Saling rose to the top after being raised by a hard-working single mother, designing estates for the ultrawealthy and landing on Architectural Digest’s prestigious annual top 100 list.

    After raising two sons alone following a divorce, Saling says he found unexpected love in 1991, at a red light.

    “I mean, it was the exact instant. We both raised our sunglasses,” he said.

    The woman was Carol, an artist. They later discovered they’d been regulars at the same coffee shop for years. In 2017, Carol was diagnosed with Sundown syndrome, a form of dementia. The couple moved to southern Utah to be closer to a neurologist.

    “The neurology was covered by Medicare,” Saling said. “What wasn’t covered was the promise that I would keep her at home and never put her in a nursing home.”

    Carol passed away in 2021. But Saling works five days a week, long past retirement, to pay for her medical bills he still owes.

    Duana Johnson, who runs a local ministry, noticed Saling working and decided to act.

    “I saw Gary bagging groceries, and I thought, ‘What’s this guy? Why is this elderly man still here?’” she told KSBY News.

    She launched a fundraiser, opening a donation account at the State Bank of Southern Utah and setting up a Venmo account. Around $2,000 has been raised so far.

    “I’m trying to raise enough money for him to be able to retire and not have to worry about working anymore,” Johnson said.

    Saling didn’t expect the spotlight, but doesn’t regret a single choice.

    “I made the promise to keep her at home and never put her in a nursing home,” he said, “because I took vows.”

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    How to manage large medical bills

    If you’re facing overwhelming medical bills, like Saling, you’re not alone. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this burden.

    Always ask for an itemized bill

    Always ask for an itemized bill, which breaks down each charge by medical code. This can help with finding mistakes, like duplicate charges or services not rendered.

    Platforms like Grok and Openhand use artificial intelligence to analyze medical bills and identify potential overcharges.

    Negotiate the bill

    Many hospitals and providers are open to negotiation. You can:

    • Ask for a discount for paying the bill in full up front.
    • Request a discount based on your financial situation.
    • Inquire about payment plans or financial assistance programs.

    Apply for charity care or financial assistance

    Nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer financial assistance programs, known as charity care under the Affordable Care Act. These programs can reduce or even eliminate your medical bills based on income and family size.

    Use assistance programs and advocacy resources

    While the U.S. government doesn’t provide direct debt relief for medical bills, there are related programs:

    • Programs like Medicare and Medicaid cover a significant portion of medical expenses for eligible individuals.
    • Some states, like Utah, offer additional assistance for medical expenses.
    • 211.org is a free, confidential service connects individuals with local resources, including medical assistance programs.
    • The Patient Advocate Foundation offers support in negotiating medical bills and understanding your rights.

    Explore low-interest loans or credit options

    If you’re not able to pay the medical bills up front, there are other options you can consider:

    • Some financial providers offer medical credit cards with promotional 0% interest for a set period.
    • Banks or credit unions may offer loans with lower interest rates compared to credit cards.
    • There are financial institutions that specialize in medical financing.

    Consider bankruptcy — as a last resort

    If the medical bills are too much to handle and you’ve exhausted other options, bankruptcy may be an alternative:

    • Chapter 7 bankruptcy can discharge unsecured debts, including medical bills.
    • Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows for a repayment plan over time.

    Check in with a bankruptcy attorney to understand the implications and figure out if this is the right path for you.

    Lastly, you’ll want to stay organized and keep records of all communications and documents related to your medical bills. And seek professional help from a financial advisor or credit counselor for personalized assistance.

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘We’re just waiting it out’: Sellers are being forced to slash prices as homes now sit on the market for months on Galveston Island — why the tides have turned on this once-hot beach town

    ‘We’re just waiting it out’: Sellers are being forced to slash prices as homes now sit on the market for months on Galveston Island — why the tides have turned on this once-hot beach town

    Located just an hour from Houston, coastal getaway Galveston Island is going through a housing slump.

    Once a dream destination for vacation homes and investment properties, the island city has become a buyer’s market.

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    “We’ve never seen this amount of inventory sitting for this amount of time,” Galveston Realtor Shelby Forbert told KHOU News last month. “Homes are sitting six, seven, eight, nine months on the market.”

    During the pandemic-era housing rush, buyers were snapping up seaside properties amid record-low interest rates.

    But now, prices are falling, listings are piling up, and owners are getting squeezed by rising costs.

    A perfect storm

    Forbert showed off one of her listings in Jamaica Beach, a fully renovated four-bedroom home that includes brand-new furnishings. It’s been on the market for six months, and the price has taken a nosedive.

    “I just brought this home down. It was listed at $625,000, and now it’s at $499,000. So, we’re just waiting it out,” she said.

    The median sold price in May 2025 for Galveston single family homes was $410,500, down from $470,000 last year and $449,000 in April 2023.

    Citing the Houston Association of Realtors, KHOU said the slowdown comes from a perfect storm of plunging vacation rental profits, steep maintenance costs, and soaring property taxes. For investment owners, the crowded short-term rental market is cutting into profits. During the pandemic, buyers rushed to snag beach homes, turning them into lucrative Airbnb rentals. But that short-term rental gold rush has fizzled. Galveston is now flush with vacation homes, meaning oversaturation and competition.

    “Airbnb landlords are suffering because there are so many homes to choose from, and they’re being put up for Airbnb all at once,” Forbert said. “Before, there were very few, and now it’s every other home probably.”

    Then there’s the skyrocketing home insurance.

    Galveston, which is extremely vulnerable to hurricanes, has the highest home insurance rates in Texas, averaging nearly $12,000 a year, according to LendingTree.

    The market has changed, and what used to be a seller’s dream is now a waiting game. “At the end of the day, the market will tell you what the house is worth,” Forbert said. “All you can do is keep reducing the price until it moves, and that’s what the value is.”

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    High insurance and weather disasters

    Texas now ranks as one of the most expensive states in the country for homeowners insurance, with average annual cost at $5,180, nearly double the national average of $2,801, according to LendingTree.

    And in communities like Galveston, that number can climb much higher.

    What’s behind the price surge?

    In Texas, extreme weather is taking a serious toll. The state leads in the country for the most number of billion-dollar weather and climate disasters since 1980, according to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and is the second-leading state after Florida in total costs ($436 billion). That kind of risk has insurers on edge, and it’s driving premiums higher.

    To add to that, rebuilding a home isn’t cheap these days since construction costs have surged.

    For the right buyer, that beachside dream could be a deal, as long as they budget for the full cost of keeping it above water. For those willing to weather the storm, the Gulf breeze and beachside views may come with a discount. But for sellers? The tide has turned.

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘Abusive and unfair’: Florida mom takes fight against her town to state Supreme Court after receiving $165K in ‘unconstitutional’ fines — her lawyers say it’s part of a broader national trend

    ‘Abusive and unfair’: Florida mom takes fight against her town to state Supreme Court after receiving $165K in ‘unconstitutional’ fines — her lawyers say it’s part of a broader national trend

    Sandy Martinez, a single mom in Lantana, Florida, is taking her town to the Florida Supreme Court to fight $165,000 in “outrageous” and “unconstitutional” fines for things like parking on her own property.

    “Six-figure fines for parking on your own property are outrageous,” her attorney Mike Greenberg said in a news release.

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    Greenberg works for the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit public interest law firm representing Martinez in the case.

    According to the organization’s website, its mission “is to end widespread abuses of government power.”

    Its lawyers argue that Martinez’s case is a textbook example of “taxation by citation” — where cash-strapped municipalities use minor infractions to justify outsized penalties as a revenue-generating machine.

    $100K in fines for parking at home

    As the New York Post reports, Martinez’s problems started in May 2019, when she was cited because cars at her home occasionally had two tires parked on the lawn.

    She said it was bound to happen with four family members and four vehicles. The penalty? A staggering $250 per day.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Martinez claims she tried to resolve the situation by meeting with a code enforcement officer after the initial violation, but those attempts were “fruitless,” and fines kept mounting — tapping out at $100,000 in parking violations.

    Lantana officials didn’t stop there. According to court filings, Martinez was fined for cracks in her driveway, something she didn’t have the money to fix right away. That resulted in daily $75 fines for 215 days, totaling $16,125, “far greater than the cost of an entirely new driveway,” Martinez said in her lawsuit.

    Then came the fence. After a major storm knocked it down, Martinez waited for her insurance to cover repairs. While she waited, the city fined her $125 a day for 379 days, adding up to $47,375 in penalties.

    Martinez sued the city over the fines in 2021, but lower courts sided with the town.

    “It’s surreal that the town still refuses to admit that what it’s doing to me is abusive and unfair,” Martinez said.

    Now in her appeal to the Florida Supreme Court, her lawsuit cites Florida’s Excessive Fines Clause, which mirrors protections in the U.S. Constitution.

    Local officials have not publicly commented on the case.

    It’s up to Florida’s Supreme Court to decide whether the punishment truly fits the "crime", or if it’s an abuse of power dressed as municipal regulation.

    How to protect your wallet from property fines

    While Martinez’s case may be extreme, it highlights just how quickly minor violations can snowball into major financial stress.

    Here are some practical ways homeowners can stay ahead of fines, reduce financial risk and protect their assets:

    Get written notice and document everything. If you receive a code violation notice, ask for it in writing. Keep records of all correspondence, photos of your property before and after corrective actions and any receipts or repair quotes. Paper trails are crucial if you have to defend yourself legally or contest fines.

    Know your local ordinances. Municipal codes can vary, with some towns enforcing rules more strictly than others. Review your city’s or HOA’s code enforcement policies so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected fines. Most city or county websites post their code enforcement rules and fine schedules.

    Act right away. Respond immediately to any violation notice. Contact the code enforcement office and ask for a walkthrough or extension while you fix the issue. Proactive communication can sometimes prevent daily fines from stacking up.

    Set up a home emergency fund. Even minor home repairs, like fixing a cracked driveway, can carry steep price tags. A home emergency fund (separate from your general savings) can help prevent you from dealing with fines, like Martinez. Realtor.com recommends putting aside 1–3% of your home’s value for unexpected repairs.

    Ask for a fine reduction or hardship adjustment. Many municipalities offer hardship waivers or payment plans. You can often negotiate fines, especially if you can show financial hardship or prove the issue was out of your control (e.g., a delayed insurance payout). Ask in writing and reference any delays due to insurance or contractor availability.

    Know your rights. Florida, like many states, protects homeowners from “excessive fines” under its state constitution. If fines feel disproportionate, especially compared to the violation, consult a legal aid group or nonprofit like the Institute for Justice.

    While most homeowners won’t face six-figure fines like Sandy Martinez, the financial consequences of even “minor” code violations can be devastating if ignored. Staying informed, communicating early, and having a financial safety net can help you avoid falling into a costly trap.

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • This Texas auto shop owner says he was forced out of his building thanks to eminent domain — only for it to sit vacant for months before the utility company got around to demolishing it

    This Texas auto shop owner says he was forced out of his building thanks to eminent domain — only for it to sit vacant for months before the utility company got around to demolishing it

    As Texas rapidly grows, moves to improve infrastructure could hurt small businesses. What started as a calculated business move in a fast-growing area turned into a major setback for Ricky Jordan, president of Fifth Gear Automotive.

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    “It really sucks,” he said recently to WFAA after his shop in Argyle, Texas was forced to close and the building was demolished due to a road expansion.

    "I’ve lived in this area for 35 years," he said. "This was really an up-and-coming place that needed car repair. There wasn’t a lot here."

    He opened Fifth Gear’s second location off U.S. 377 in 2020. “We understood that there was going to be some road expansion that affected the parking lot, so we did a lot of due diligence in the beginning prior to building or buying it to get compliant” said Jordan.

    The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s long-term infrastructure project plans include widening the highway to four lanes and adding medians, sidewalks, and left-turn lanes.

    Jordan said he had no problem working with the county on the affected parking and fire lane issues, but then things took a sudden turn late last year. He said “We had no issues up until we got notification we had to leave.”

    What is eminent domain and how can it affect your business?

    That notification didn’t come from TxDOT, but from Atmos Energy, a Dallas-based natural gas-only distributor. A spokesperson for the utility company confirmed to WFAA they are required to perform pipeline replacements in accordance with the state’s road expansion project.

    “We really didn’t understand we were going to lose the building until the very end. And we didn’t really understand timelines to the very end,” Jordan said. According to him, Atmos said it needed to run gas lines through the land where his shop stood.

    To make matters worse, the building was demolished months after his business was told to leave.

    Jordan said he was required to vacate the property by January 31, but the building wasn’t demolished until mid-June. He said, “We could have continued operations until they actually needed to tear the building down, that would have saved me months of, at the least, staying in business.”

    The upheaval faced by Fifth Gear Automotive is due to a legal mechanism known as eminent domain. It allows the government to take private property for public use, think highways, pipelines, railroads, schools, in exchange for “just compensation.”

    “We always prefer to acquire property rights through negotiation,” said Atmos in its statement. “When that is not possible, the courts have a process for acquiring the easement and compensating the landowner.”

    That "just compensation" is usually based on fair market value. It may also include certain damages if your remaining property’s market value is diminished by the acquisition itself or by the way the condemning entity will use the property, says the Texas Landowner’s Bill of Rights.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    It sounds fair, but isn’t always in practice.

    For example, in Jordan’s case, the financial and emotional pain may be much deeper than the compensation. "It’s basically cut our business in half and taken us to a point where it’s an investment to stay in business, not a profitable venture," he said.

    Negative effects of eminent domain

    Here’s how eminent domain works:

    • The government identifies the land needed for a project.
    • They offer the owner “just compensation.”
    • If the owner and the government cannot agree on the value of the property, the government can initiate a legal process called condemnation, filing a claim for the property in court.

    Eminent domain is meant to allow the building of better public infrastructure, but for small business owners, it can bulldoze more than just property. When timelines shift or communication is poor, the financial fallout can hit like a wrecking ball.

    Fifth Gear Automotive has relocated to a temporary office about two miles away off Highway 407, with hopes of opening a new permanent site there in 2026.

    "I’m excited about the investments that we’re making in this area," Jordan said. "We need larger roads and better infrastructure to support a growing city and town, but you need to be very mindful of the businesses and how it impacts the people around."

    “By imposing tremendous costs (both social and economic) in the form of lost communities, uprooted families and destroyed small businesses, eminent domain often thwarts, rather than helps, economic growth,” says the Institute for Justice. “Instead of seizing private property, cities can streamline regulatory barriers, like permitting and zoning laws, and usher in development without eminent domain.”

    In 2006, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) produced a report on the use of eminent domain by state and local governments.

    Property rights groups and a national community organization described the negative effects like loss of small businesses and jobs, decreases in affordable housing, and the dispersal of communities.

    They also said property owners may be hurt by lack of notice, blight designations that negatively impacted neighboring nonblighted properties, significantly undervalued appraisals, and inadequate compensation.

    If your business is near a major public works project, talk to a lawyer early, even before the notices arrive.

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • These South Floridians filed a $10 million class action lawsuit against the DMV — claim ‘unsafe conditions’ while waiting for hours. Here’s how ‘appointment scalping’ likely played a role

    These South Floridians filed a $10 million class action lawsuit against the DMV — claim ‘unsafe conditions’ while waiting for hours. Here’s how ‘appointment scalping’ likely played a role

    Fed up residents. Dangerous overnight waits. Alleged corruption. That’s what attorney Michael Pizzi says Florida drivers are facing at the DMV.

    Pizzi is spearheading a $10 million class action lawsuit against the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and the Tax Collector offices in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, claiming residents are being forced to wait in line for hours — with some even camping overnight — just to access basic DMV services.

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    “We’re here to say ‘enough is enough,’” Pizzi recently told 7News and other news outlets at a press conference in Miami Lakes.

    ‘Horrific and disgraceful’ conditions

    “It is nothing short of horrific and disgraceful,” Pizzi told 7News, calling out what he described as dangerous, degrading and disorganized conditions at local DMV centers.

    At the heart of the lawsuit is the story of a 17-year-old girl who slept outside a Pompano Beach DMV in January to get a driver’s license appointment.

    “We thought we would arrive there early, two hours before, and we get there and they laughed. They simply laughed and said ‘Oh no, you need to come back at midnight the night before,’” said her mother, Jennifer Sassone, at the news conference.

    The teen and her friend ended up camping in an alley for 11 hours, exposing them to harassment and distress.

    “What happened to my daughter is inhumane,” Sassone said.

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    Scalpers, long lines and legal action

    Pizzi thinks that “appointment scalpers” — people who hold or resell DMV time slots for cash — are a big part of the problem, even though the scheme was already illegalized earlier this year, saying, “they’re being held to account to every single person they have forced to wait on 10, 12-hour long lines in unsafe conditions, in degrading and deplorable conditions, just because of their incompetence, and they are condoning and permitting corruption.”

    The class action suit could open the door for potentially thousands of affected Floridians to join.

    “Our hope is when people find out about this, they are going to come forward with their videos and stories,” Pizzi said at the conference.

    So, what is appointment scalping?

    Individuals and companies snatch up DMV appointments, often using bots, and then resell them on social media or through driving schools. According to NBC6 Miami, these appointment prices sell from $25 to $250.

    The appointments are supposed to be free, but instead, this unregulated practice has hijacked access to essential public services like getting a driver’s license.

    A Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles spokesperson told CBS News the DMV cancels nearly 1,000 fake appointments daily across the state.

    In an effort to shorten lineups and free up bookings, the Miami-Dade Tax Collector’s new appointment scalping ordinance was passed in April 2025 with:

    • Fines up to $500 per offense
    • Up to 60 days in jail
    • A ban on promoting or listing DMV appointments for resale without written consent

    Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez is working with County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to hunt down scalpers, especially those working in driving schools.

    One school was caught hoarding over 70 appointments, reselling them for over $200 each, according to 7News Miami.

    Fernandez calls these practices "predatory" and now that HB 0961 has been passed, appointment scalping is a first-degree misdemeanor statewide, which gives law enforcement full authority to prosecute bad actors.

    As the class action lawsuit unfolds, it shines a light on how public services are vulnerable, especially when digital systems are outdated or lack oversight.

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘You are going down’: South Carolina Attorney General issues stark warning to scammers siphoning millions from Medicaid — as DOJ charges 324 people nationwide in massive $14.6B fraud bust

    ‘You are going down’: South Carolina Attorney General issues stark warning to scammers siphoning millions from Medicaid — as DOJ charges 324 people nationwide in massive $14.6B fraud bust

    A $14.6 billion web of deceit that stretched across the country has prompted a massive federal crackdown in the U.S. health care system. More than 300 people are facing charges nationwide in what the Justice Department calls the largest health care fraud takedown in American history.

    In North and South Carolina, prosecutors say scammers siphoned off over $20 million in taxpayer funds by filing fraudulent claims, targeting the most vulnerable, including severely disabled children.

    “Republican and Democrat, we’re all here with one goal and that is to eradicate health care fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson, according to WCNC.

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    Fake clinics, stolen IDs and sham services

    The Carolina cases are part of what officials are calling “Operation Border War,” named after the investigation into a network of fake companies near the border between North and South Carolina operated with the alleged goal of defrauding Medicaid.

    A multi-state probe uncovered two major schemes, both operating out of Charlotte and crossing state lines. In the first case, authorities say Donald Saunders and seven co-conspirators allegedly stole $21 million from South Carolina’s Medicaid program by filing false claims using stolen patient information of severely disabled children.

    But these kids never received care.

    “The majority, nearly all of these were severely disabled children,” said South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. “Children who were quadriplegic or nonverbal or autistic, billing for services that these minor, severely disabled children never received.”

    Investigators say the suspects made up fake medical records, billed for nonexistent therapies and cashed in to the tune of $21 million.

    In a separate North Carolina scheme, Crystal Jackson from Charlotte allegedly raked in nearly $2 million by billing Medicaid for services to patients who were either deceased or in jail.

    “She held herself out as a licensed provider of health care. She was not,” said North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “She provided services to folks who were incarcerated or deceased, or at least claimed to.”

    The Carolinas’ cases are just a part of the nationwide sweep, with 324 defendants, nearly 100 licensed medical professionals and 25 doctors now facing federal and state charges.

    While the Justice Department says $14.6 billion in fraudulent claims were submitted nationwide, only a fraction — about $2.9 billion — was actually paid out. In the Carolinas alone, scammers are accused of successfully stealing more than $20 million from Medicaid.

    Attorney General Alan Wilson says the crackdown in the Carolinas and nationwide sends a clear message: “If you continue … defrauding the Medicaid system, you are going down.”

    Authorities say the investigation is far from over, and more arrests could be coming. Both state attorneys general are urging whistleblowers and concerned citizens to step forward.

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    How to spot and fight health care fraud

    Health care fraud isn’t just a government problem; it drains taxpayer dollars, raises insurance costs and undermines care for those who truly need it. Here’s what to look for and how to stop it.

    • Review medical bills and statements: Always check Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements carefully. Keep your eyes peeled for services you didn’t receive or duplicate charges.
    • Protect your personal information: Don’t share your Medicaid or Medicare numbers except with trusted medical providers. Fraudsters often steal patient IDs to file fake claims.
    • Ask questions: If a provider recommends expensive tests or treatments, ask why. Get second opinions if something feels off.
    • Report anything suspicious: If you suspect fraud, like billing for services never received or fake providers, contact your state Medicaid fraud control unit or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General.
    • Document everything: Keep copies of all medical records, bills and communications with health care providers.

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  • ‘We’re going to suffer’: Florida communities say they’re bracing for chaos after Trump officials axe $150M in FEMA grants for flood protection, calling the funding ‘wasteful and ineffective’

    ‘We’re going to suffer’: Florida communities say they’re bracing for chaos after Trump officials axe $150M in FEMA grants for flood protection, calling the funding ‘wasteful and ineffective’

    South Florida’s flood defenses just took a $150 million hit, and residents are sounding the alarm.

    In a move that is shaking storm-vulnerable communities from Miami Shores to Hialeah, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has pulled the plug on a key federal program, abruptly canceling grants from the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) initiative that were set to shore up outdated flood infrastructure across the region.

    “The BRIC program was yet another example of a wasteful and ineffective FEMA program,” a FEMA spokesperson said in an April statement, blaming “political agendas” for derailing disaster relief under previous leadership.

    A FEMA spokesperson said in April that, under Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the agency is charting a new course: “We are committed to ensuring that Americans in crisis can get the help and resources they need.”

    As a result, a staggering $148 million earmarked for South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) projects is now gone.

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    ‘This administration couldn’t care less about the safety of our families’

    The canceled upgrades were going to fix aging spillways and stormwater systems across three canal basins, all flagged as inadequate by engineers.

    Without those upgrades, SFWMD research warns vast stretches of Miami-Dade and Broward counties could face catastrophic flooding and erosion, with rising sea levels and stronger storms making the threat even worse.

    Residents in neighborhoods like North Miami, Miami Gardens and Little Haiti told CBS Miami the water’s already rising.

    “I’m worried,” said Mary Charlsmith, a North Miami homeowner. “When it rains a lot, there’s a lot of flooding in the street. I have concerns, of course.”

    Charlsmith said her home was flooded twice in 2024. “We have to put sandbags in front of the door but that doesn’t help.”

    In Miami Shores, Fernando Monsalvo told CBS Miami, “It worries me a lot, the investments that we lost — $148 million… There should be more spent to protect our quality of life. Now, we’re going to suffer a lot.”

    His neighbor, Victor Guzman, says, “It’s a need and the government taking them off is not a good thing.”

    Rep. Frederica S. Wilson, who represents much of the impacted area, accused the administration of putting politics over public safety.

    “This administration couldn’t care less about the safety of our families,” she charged. “Slashing funds for flood mitigation and hurricane prep isn’t just reckless – it’s life or death for South Florida.”

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    What if FEMA funds are not replaced?

    Here’s what could happen if the $150 million in BRIC grants pulled by FEMA are never replaced:

    Higher flood risk Without critical upgrades like pump stations, raised roads and improved canals, areas like Miami-Dade and Broward become even more vulnerable during storms or high tides, especially with the rising sea-level.

    Strained emergency response As FEMA staff have warned, canceling BRIC cuts down on essential planning, coordination and training, all critical for hurricane and flood readiness.

    Without preparations, disasters escalate. New Orleans (post-Katrina) experienced delayed federal relief, infrastructure breakdowns and widespread chaos.

    Escalating costs Federal research shows every $1 spent on mitigation saves around $6 in future recovery costs.

    Municipalities are already investing in sandbags and emergency services, but may have to repay lost grants or self-fund improvements, impacting other services.

    Flood insurance fallout The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) remains burdened with debt (~$20 billion) and uses outdated mapping. With rising costs, insurers may hike premiums or drop policies in high-risk zones.

    Many homes in flood zones remain uninsured and without mitigation infrastructure. More policies could be dropped or become mandatory, hurting homeowners financially.

    Economic disruption An estimate from the Democratic staff of the Joint Economic Committee pegs the annual cost of flooding in the U.S. at a staggering $179.8 billion to $496 billion in 2023 dollars.

    That’s nearly half a trillion dollars in potential damage, disruption and disaster response costs each year, highlighting the massive financial burden of America’s rising flood risk.

    Leaders push back and call for restoration of funds

    Wilson is now calling for Congress to intervene and restore the canceled BRIC funding, insisting “only Congress has the power of the purse.”

    Despite the financial setback, SFWMD says it’s not throwing in the towel just yet.

    “No immediate decisions are needed at this time because we are still designing the projects and have not started construction,” the agency said in a statement to CBS News Miami. “We will continue to work closely with our local, state and federal partners to provide flood control in these communities.”

    Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava pledged to “monitor federal changes closely” and safeguard the region’s storm-readiness.

    “We’re doing our very best to continue to have a very resilient economy and infrastructure,” she said. “So far, so good.”

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