Florida Attorney General Ashley Uthmeier announced a formal investigation into KIS Consulting, LLC, a company that markets home‑inspection services and defect‑claim referrals. The state issued an investigative subpoena covering the firm’s advertising, door‑to‑door sales tactics, and any financial arrangements tied to referrals for construction, design, architectural and engineering defect claims.
Scope of the subpoena
The subpoena requests records from August 20, 2022 to the present. KIS Consulting must provide all consumer‑facing advertisements, employee training manuals, and internal guidance on how its representatives solicit business in person. The demand also includes copies of the firm’s “Attorney Selection Forms,” logs of communications with homeowners, records of engineering referrals, and detailed breakdowns of any referral fees paid or received.
In addition, investigators are seeking repair estimates, invoices, building permits, engineering assessments, on‑site photographs linked to inspected properties, and a complete list of Florida consumers who received inspections. The company must also disclose the names of every employee or independent contractor who performed door‑to‑door solicitation and turn over any records of consumer complaints, prior investigations, or legal disputes related to its services.
State’s rationale
Uthmeier emphasized that Florida homeowners deserve transparent and fair treatment when addressing potential defects in their homes. “Practices that drive up the cost of homeownership are unacceptable,” the attorney general said. “My office is investigating these inspection and referral operations to ensure they truly serve the interests of the families they claim to help.”
The investigation focuses on whether KIS Consulting collected undisclosed fees or misled residents when connecting them to outside professionals. If the firm is found to have engaged in deceptive practices, state officials could pursue civil penalties or other enforcement actions to protect consumers.
Potential impact on homeowners
Homeowners who have used KIS Consulting’s services may receive copies of the records once the investigation concludes, depending on privacy considerations. The AG’s office has indicated that any findings of wrongdoing could lead to stricter oversight of door‑to‑door sales practices in the home‑inspection industry, potentially reducing the likelihood of hidden costs and ensuring that referrals are based on merit rather than undisclosed financial incentives.
Consumers who believe they were misled are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. The division provides resources for filing complaints and offers guidance on how to evaluate home‑inspection offers, especially those presented in a door‑to‑door setting.
Next steps
KIS Consulting has until September 21, 2026 to comply with the subpoena. The Attorney General’s office will review the submitted materials and determine whether further legal action is warranted. The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
