ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — At 82, Neely, a decorated veteran, is grappling with what he believes to be a fraudulent roofing scheme that threatens his home ownership.

Having served his country and earned a Purple Heart, Neely placed his faith in Florida Roof Specialists, a company that assured him his roof could be replaced at no cost through his homeowner’s insurance. This promise, however, led to unforeseen consequences.

“It was a scam,” Neely lamented. “They target the elderly, thinking they can easily deceive us. They saw me as an easy target.”

Neely recounts that although the company did replace his roof, he was shocked to receive a foreclosure notice due to an unpaid bill from the roofing firm. He insists he only agreed to cover his deductible and alleges that his insurance provider has been unable to elicit a response from the company regarding the matter.

“I’m hurting, man,” Neely said, breaking down in tears. “I’m tired. Leave me alone. Let me die in my own time, not you pushing me because you want me to get my property.”

The Florida Attorney General’s Office has filed a lawsuit against Florida Roof Specialists, alleging the company misled homeowners into believing they would only have to pay their insurance deductible. According to the AG, the company then demanded additional payments after the work was completed, and filed liens on properties when homeowners refused to pay.

Since 2020, the state has received nearly 200 complaints from consumers claiming they were deceived in a similar way. The lawsuit argues that Florida Roof Specialists violated the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

The Better Business Bureau has given the company a D-plus rating, citing a pattern of complaints involving contract issues and unresponsive communication.

Neely, who served in Vietnam and continues to suffer health issues linked to Agent Orange exposure, says the ordeal has left him emotionally and financially drained.

“I want to be treated as a human being,” he said. “I want to be treated as a veteran. I served this country.”

First Coast News reached out to Florida Roof Specialists for comment but has not received a response.

The Attorney General’s investigation is still active. The Better Business Bureau urges homeowners to research contractors, get multiple estimates and never sign a contract without a detailed written cost breakdown.