Privacy Policy

Introduction

At Southern Garage Doors, we believe privacy is part of stewardship. When you trust us with your information, we treat it with the same care, restraint, and respect we bring into your home. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how it is used, how it is protected, and the choices you have. Our goal is clarity — not fine print, not hidden intent.

1. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide garage door service, communicate clearly, and fulfill our responsibilities to you:

Your name
Phone number(s)
Email address
Service address
Details related to your garage door system or service request
Payment information (processed securely — we do not store card numbers)
Call recordings and transcripts
Scheduling preferences and appointment history
Warranty and service history

Information is collected when you call, text, email, submit a form on our website, schedule service through our online booking system, or interact with our AI-assisted phone system.

2. Online Booking and Scheduling

When you book service online, your information is processed through a secure third-party scheduling provider (Workiz). We receive only the information needed to confirm your appointment, communicate with you, and perform the requested service.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We do not allow third parties to market to you using your information.

3. AI-Assisted Communication and Call Recording

Our phone system:

May greet you with an AI receptionist capable of providing pricing, scheduling appointments, and answering service questions.
Records all calls for quality assurance, training, accuracy, and recordkeeping purposes.
Transcribes calls for service documentation and internal review.
Processes call data through secure third-party services (OpenAI, Twilio) for voice conversation functionality.

All calls are recorded in compliance with Florida Statute § 934.03 (Florida's two-party consent law). A recording disclosure is provided at the beginning of every call. By continuing the call after this disclosure, you consent to the recording.

An AI disclosure is provided at the beginning of every call. The AI system assists with scheduling, pricing, and customer service. Complex issues, complaints, or situations requiring human judgment are escalated to a human representative.

Call recordings, transcripts, and related data are stored securely and retained for a period consistent with our business and legal requirements (typically 30–90 days for recordings, longer for service records). Access to call data is restricted to authorized personnel.

4. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used only to:

Schedule and confirm service appointments.
Communicate before, during, and after service.
Provide estimates, invoices, and warranty documentation.
Maintain accurate service records and customer history.
Verify warranty eligibility through our service records and accounting systems.
Improve service quality through call review and AI system training.
Meet legal, licensing, and insurance requirements.
Process payments securely.

We do not use your information for mass marketing, aggressive follow-ups, or unrelated promotions.

5. Communication Practices

All communication takes place through our official business phone number ((941) 356-4334), text messaging system, or email. We do not conduct business through personal phone numbers or social media platforms. This approach protects your privacy, keeps records accurate, and ensures accountability.

You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time by contacting our office.

6. Information Sharing

We do not share your personal information with third parties except when necessary to:

Process payments securely through our payment processor.
Provide scheduling, booking, and job management functionality through our service management platform (Workiz).
Verify warranty and service history through our accounting system (QuickBooks).
Validate service addresses through mapping services (Google Maps).
Facilitate AI-assisted phone conversations through our technology providers (OpenAI, Twilio).
Comply with legal obligations, court orders, or insurance requirements.
Protect the safety, rights, or property of our customers, technicians, or the public.

We do not sell your personal information. We do not allow third parties to use your information for their own marketing purposes.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, or disclosure:

Encrypted data transmission for online communications and payment processing.
Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel.
Secure storage of call recordings and customer records.
Regular review of security practices and third-party provider compliance.

While no system is perfect, we are intentional about limiting access to information and using trusted tools.

8. Data Retention

We retain customer information for the maximum period permitted by applicable Florida and federal law:

Customer name, address, and phone number: Retained indefinitely as part of our permanent service records for warranty verification, service history, safety recalls, and legal compliance.
Call recordings: Retained for the maximum period permitted by law. Recordings serve as documentation of verbal approvals, pricing agreements, and consent.
Call transcripts and service notes: Retained for the maximum period permitted by law.
Payment records: Retained as required by Florida tax, business recordkeeping, and IRS requirements.
Warranty and service history: Retained indefinitely to honor warranties accurately and provide informed recommendations on future visits.

You may request correction of your information as described in Section 9. Deletion requests are subject to our legal and business retention requirements.

9. Your Choices

You may request to:

Update or correct your personal information.
Receive a summary of the information we hold about you.
Opt out of non-essential communications.
Request clarification on how your data is used.

Requests can be made by phone, text, or email using our official business contact information. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically within thirty (30) days.

10–14. Additional Provisions

Cookies and Website Data. Our website uses a single first-party cookie (sgd_vt) for analytics — understanding which pages help our neighbors find the service they need. We do not use Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, or any third-party tracking. No data is shared with advertising networks. You may opt out of analytics at any time via our Privacy Preferences page.

Children's Privacy. Our services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of thirteen (13).

Florida-Specific Rights. As a Florida resident, you may have additional rights regarding your personal information under Florida law, including the right to know what is collected, request deletion (subject to legal exceptions), and opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your information). To manage your analytics preferences or opt out of data collection, visit our Privacy Preferences page. To request data access or deletion, email southerngaragedoors510@gmail.com. We respond within 45 days.

Policy Updates. This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, technology, or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.

Contact Us. If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, contact us at (941) 356-4334.

Southern Garage Doors (DBA of Southern Garage Doors, Inc.)
Florida Certified Specialty Contractor — License SCC131153700
Service Area: Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Florida