Safe Harbor Marinas is facing a federal class-action lawsuit alleging deceptive billing practices. Filed by Florida-based Miami Charter Yacht LLC, the complaint accuses Safe Harbor of inflating invoices with unauthorized surcharges and employing a “cash for splash” policy that forces customers to pay in full before their boats are released.
The lawsuit was filed by the Fort Lauderdale law firm Kelley|Uustal, which is seeking damages, restitution and injunctive relief on behalf of a proposed nationwide class of affected boat owners.
“We filed this class action lawsuit challenging Safe Harbor Marinas’ pattern of inflating customer invoices with unauthorized and deceptive charges unrelated to work they actually performed,” a statement from the law firm said.
According to the complaint, Miami Charter Yacht brought the 76-foot San Lorenzo Vasiliki to a Safe Harbor facility for repairs in late 2024. The final bill reportedly included numerous fees and charges that, according to the statement, were “supersized,” a scenario the plaintiff alleges is indicative of broader corporate policy across Safe Harbor’s national network.
The lawsuit includes claims of breach of contract, unjust enrichment and violations of South Carolina’s Unfair Trade Practices Act. A jury trial has been requested, and additional boat owners are expected to join the suit.
Trade Only Today contacted Safe Harbor Marinas for comment but had not received a response at press time.
