Terms of Service

Southern Garage Doors (a DBA of Southern Garage Doors, Inc.) Florida Certified Specialty Contractor — License SCC131153700 Effective Date: April 2, 2026

At Southern Garage Doors, professionalism is not a performance — it is a daily practice of self-control, respect, and stewardship.

We believe good business is built on clear boundaries that keep each project peaceful, safe, and fair for both the homeowner and the craftsman. These Terms of Service explain how we work, how we stay accountable, and what we ask in return so every interaction remains calm, consistent, and aligned with our values.

We don’t chase volume or gimmicks — we serve by conscience. These guidelines exist to guard the peace of the job so neither you nor we have to guess what’s fair, and good work can stay steady even when life gets noisy.

1. Parties and Agreement

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) constitute a binding agreement between the homeowner or authorized property owner (“Customer,” “you”) and Southern Garage Doors, Inc., a Florida corporation doing business as Southern Garage Doors (“Company,” “we,” “us”), Florida Certified Specialty Contractor, License No. SCC131153700.

By scheduling service — whether by phone, text, email, or online — you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to these Terms. Verbal approval of an estimate or scheduling of an appointment constitutes acceptance.

2. Our Commitment to Homeowners

Every representative of Southern Garage Doors will:

Communicate with courtesy, calmness, and clarity.
Arrive on time, or notify you promptly if delayed.
Present a clean appearance and a clearly marked service vehicle.
Explain findings, pricing, and recommendations before work begins.
Operate safely on every job site in compliance with UL 325 safety standards.
Remain honest, even when honesty costs time or money.

Professionalism, for us, means diligence, humility, and care — not perfection, but steady effort offered in good faith.

3. Communication

All official communication occurs through our business phone number, text messaging system, or email during business hours. We do not use personal phone numbers or social media for work-related communication. This protects your privacy and ensures accurate records.

3a. AI-Assisted Communication and Call Recording

Southern Garage Doors uses an AI-assisted phone system to handle inbound calls. When you call our business number, you may be greeted by an AI receptionist that can provide pricing, schedule appointments, and answer service questions.

All calls to Southern Garage Doors are recorded for quality assurance, training, accuracy, and recordkeeping purposes. By continuing a call after the recording disclosure, you consent to the recording of that call in accordance with Florida Statute § 934.03.

Call recordings and transcripts are stored securely and retained in accordance with our Privacy Policy. They are not shared with third parties except as described in Section 14.

4. Customer Responsibilities

To keep service fair and efficient, we ask homeowners to:

Use our business phone, text, or email for scheduling, estimates, and warranty requests.
Communicate respectfully and clearly.
Refrain from profanity, threats, or emotional pressure.
Provide truthful information about issues, prior repairs, and property conditions.
Be ready at the appointment time with a clear workspace.
Avoid adjusting or repairing components before or after our service, as unauthorized modifications may void warranty coverage.
Communicate concerns promptly by phone, text, or email.

If a conversation becomes heated or harmful, we may pause or end service so both parties can part in peace rather than conflict. Peace always comes before payment.

5. Appointments, Access, and Homeowner Presence

Appointments are confirmed in advance, and updates are sent promptly if times change.

Homeowner or spouse must be present. For service to proceed, the homeowner or the homeowner’s spouse must be physically present at the property for the entire duration of the appointment. This requirement ensures clear communication, proper consent, and accurate decision-making for safety-critical work.

Service cannot be performed if only a child, tenant, guest, or other third party is present.
If the homeowner or spouse is not present upon arrival, the technician will pause service. The service-call fee still applies, and the appointment will be rescheduled once the fee is paid.

We ask homeowners to also:

Be available to review findings and approve work as it is discussed.
Keep the work area safe and accessible, free of vehicles, clutter, or loose pets.
Provide accurate directions, gate codes, or access instructions when scheduling.

6. Animal Safety and Job Site Access

This is a strict, non-negotiable policy. For the safety of homeowners, technicians, and animals, all pets and animals must be fully secured and kept completely separate from the work area for the entire duration of service.

All animals must be placed in a separate, closed area away from the work zone before the technician arrives.
Acceptable separation includes a secured room with a closed door, an outdoor enclosure, or a crate/cage.
Animals may not roam freely, pass through the work area, or interact with the technician at any time.
Leashes, verbal assurances, or partial separation are not sufficient.
If animals are not properly secured upon arrival, service will be paused until the requirement is met. If the issue cannot be resolved promptly, the appointment may be rescheduled and the service-call fee will still apply.

This policy exists to prevent injury, distraction, and liability. No exceptions are made. The Customer assumes full responsibility and liability for any injury, damage, or delay caused by unsecured animals during a service visit.

7. Pricing, Estimates, and Approval

All pricing is shared before work begins — no surprises afterward. We do not negotiate or alter completed invoices, and discounts are not based on emotion or familiarity. Every homeowner receives the same rates and quality of service.

Our pricing reflects:

Licensed and insured specialty-trade compliance under Florida law.
Workers’ compensation coverage and continuing training.
Calibrated tools, safety equipment, and administrative support.

We ask customers to review and approve estimates before work starts. Verbal approval is considered consent to proceed and authorization for the Company to perform the described work at the stated price.

Estimates are valid for thirty (30) days from the date provided unless otherwise stated. Pricing is subject to change after the estimate period due to material costs, supply availability, or scope changes discovered during service.

8. Payment Terms

Payment is due upon completion of service unless otherwise arranged in writing.

We accept:

Cash
Check
Major credit or debit cards (a 3.5% processing fee applies to card transactions)

Returned checks or chargebacks incur a $45 administrative fee and pause warranty coverage until the balance is resolved. Prompt payment keeps pricing fair and scheduling dependable for everyone.

8a. Right to Lien

In accordance with Florida Statute Chapter 713, Southern Garage Doors, Inc. reserves the right to file a construction lien (Claim of Lien) against the property where services were performed if payment is not received within the terms of this agreement. This right exists under Florida law to protect contractors who have performed authorized work in good faith.

9. Safety on the Job Site

Garage door systems involve high-tension springs, heavy panels, and electrical components that require diligence and care. While service is underway, the workspace is considered a controlled safety zone.

For everyone’s protection, we ask that homeowners:

Refrain from entering the work area without permission.
Avoid handling tools or operating controls unless invited.
Keep children, pets, and others at a safe distance.

Observation is welcome from a safe location. These boundaries allow the technician to work efficiently and safely, leaving your system in proper condition.

Assumption of Risk. The Customer acknowledges that garage door systems involve inherent risks including high-tension components, heavy moving parts, and electrical systems. The Customer agrees to follow all safety instructions provided by the technician. Failure to comply with safety instructions may result in paused or terminated service, and the Company shall not be liable for any injury or damage resulting from the Customer’s failure to follow safety instructions.

10. Respect for People and Property

We treat every home as if it were our own, with care and respect for family routines and personal space. In return, we ask that homeowners provide an environment where mutual respect can thrive.

If a situation compromises a technician’s safety, dignity, or ability to work responsibly, we may step away until peace can be restored.

10a. Pre-Existing Conditions

The Customer acknowledges that garage door systems may have pre-existing conditions, wear, damage, or prior modifications not visible or discoverable during a standard inspection. Southern Garage Doors is not responsible for pre-existing defects, concealed damage, or conditions caused by prior unauthorized work, weathering, structural settling, or normal wear and tear.

The technician may document pre-existing conditions with photographs or written notes before beginning work. The Customer consents to such documentation for recordkeeping and liability protection purposes.

11. Scope of Work

Southern Garage Doors performs only the work described in the approved estimate. If additional work is discovered to be necessary during service, the technician will explain the findings and provide a supplemental estimate. No additional work will be performed without the Customer’s verbal or written approval.

Work outside the agreed scope — including but not limited to structural modifications, electrical rewiring, or work on non-garage-door systems — is declined. Referrals to appropriate specialists may be provided as a courtesy.

12. Warranty

Warranty terms are described in our Warranty Policy and vary by service type. General warranty terms include:

Service call warranty: 14 days from the date of the original service for the same issue.
Labor warranty: 14 days standard; 1 year for spring replacement and opener installation.
Parts warranty: 30 days on parts replaced or installed by Southern Garage Doors; 1 year on springs.

Warranty is void if:

Third-party work has been performed on the covered components during the warranty period.
The Customer or a third party has modified, adjusted, or attempted to repair the covered components.
The issue is unrelated to the original work performed.
Payment for the original service remains outstanding.

Warranty claims are verified against our service records. The Company reserves the right to inspect the system before determining warranty coverage.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Florida law, the total liability of Southern Garage Doors, Inc. and its owners, employees, agents, and contractors arising out of or related to services performed under these Terms — whether in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or otherwise — shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Customer for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

Southern Garage Doors, Inc. shall not be liable for:

Indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages of any kind.
Loss of use of the garage door system, loss of business, loss of revenue, or any economic loss beyond the direct cost of the service.
Damage caused by pre-existing conditions, prior unauthorized work, normal wear and tear, acts of nature, or conditions beyond the Company’s reasonable control.
Damage caused by the Customer’s failure to follow safety instructions, maintenance recommendations, or warranty conditions.
Damage to vehicles, personal property, or structures caused by garage door system failure where the failure was not a direct result of the Company’s workmanship.

This limitation of liability does not apply to:

Claims arising from the Company’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Personal injury or property damage caused directly by the Company’s negligent acts during service.
Claims that cannot be limited under applicable Florida law.

14. Indemnification

The Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Southern Garage Doors, Inc., its owners, employees, agents, and contractors from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to:

The Customer’s breach of these Terms.
The Customer’s negligence or willful misconduct.
Injury or damage caused by unsecured animals during a service visit.
Injury or damage resulting from the Customer’s failure to follow safety instructions.
Third-party claims arising from the Customer’s use or misuse of the garage door system after service is completed.
False, misleading, or incomplete information provided by the Customer regarding the property, system, or service history.

15. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or services performed hereunder, the parties agree to the following resolution process:

Step 1: Direct Resolution. The parties will first attempt to resolve the dispute directly through good-faith communication by phone, text, or email within thirty (30) days of the dispute arising.

Step 2: Mediation. If direct resolution fails, the parties agree to participate in non-binding mediation administered by a mutually agreed-upon mediator in Sarasota County, Florida. Each party shall bear its own costs of mediation, and the mediator’s fees shall be shared equally.

Step 3: Binding Arbitration. If mediation fails, the dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Sarasota County, Florida, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Governing Law. These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal action not subject to arbitration shall be filed exclusively in the courts of Sarasota County, Florida.

Waiver of Class Action. The Customer agrees that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action.

Attorney’s Fees. In any dispute arising under these Terms, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs from the non-prevailing party, in accordance with Florida Statute § 57.105.

16. Force Majeure

Southern Garage Doors shall not be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, severe weather, pandemics, government actions, supply chain disruptions, material shortages, labor shortages, utility failures, or acts of God. In such events, scheduled appointments may be rescheduled without penalty.

17. Right to Refuse or Terminate Service

Southern Garage Doors reserves the right to decline, pause, or terminate service at any time if:

The job site presents safety hazards that cannot be reasonably mitigated.
The Customer or any person on the property engages in abusive, threatening, or hostile behavior toward any Company representative.
Animals are not properly secured per Section 6.
The Customer provides false or misleading information regarding the property, system, or service history.
The Customer refuses to comply with safety instructions.
Payment for prior services remains outstanding.
The scope of work is determined to be unsafe, unethical, or outside the Company’s capabilities.

When service is declined or terminated, the service-call fee applies for any work or travel already performed. The Company will document the circumstances and communicate the decision clearly and professionally.

18. Technician Protection

Southern Garage Doors is committed to protecting the safety, dignity, privacy, and professional integrity of every technician and representative who enters your home.

18a. Recording and Photography of Technicians

Customers may photograph or video record completed work for personal records, review purposes, or insurance documentation. However:

Audio recording of conversations with a technician without the technician’s knowledge and consent is prohibited under Florida Statute § 934.03 (two-party consent). Both parties must be aware of and consent to any audio recording.
Video recording of the technician’s work process, proprietary methods, or techniques for commercial use, social media publication, online posting, or distribution is prohibited without written consent from Southern Garage Doors.
Recording intended to harass, intimidate, or create a hostile work environment for the technician is prohibited and may result in immediate termination of service.
If the technician reasonably believes a recording is being made in violation of this policy, the technician may pause service and request clarification. If the issue is not resolved, the technician may terminate the visit and the service-call fee will apply.

The technician may document pre-existing conditions, system status, and completed work with photographs or video for Company records, quality assurance, and dispute resolution purposes. The Customer consents to such documentation as described in Section 10a.

18b. Non-Solicitation of Technicians

Customers agree not to:

Solicit, recruit, or hire any Southern Garage Doors technician or representative for private, side, or off-the-books work — whether related to garage doors or any other service.
Request a technician’s personal phone number, personal email address, social media accounts, or any contact information other than the Company’s official channels.
Offer or provide compensation, gifts, or incentives to a technician outside of the standard payment process for authorized Company services.

All service requests must go through Southern Garage Doors’ official business phone ((941) 356-4334), text, or email. This protects the homeowner (ensuring proper licensing, insurance, and warranty coverage), protects the technician (ensuring proper compensation and working conditions), and ensures all work is documented and covered by our policies.

If a customer contacts a technician directly for unauthorized work, Southern Garage Doors reserves the right to void any existing warranty on prior services performed at that property.

18c. Technician Authority on the Job Site

The technician is authorized to:

Pause or stop work if conditions become unsafe for any reason.
Decline to perform work that is outside the agreed scope, unsafe, or unethical.
Leave the job site if subjected to verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, or any behavior that compromises their safety or dignity.
Document and report any concerning conditions, interactions, or policy violations to the Company.

The technician’s judgment on safety matters is final. If the technician determines that conditions are unsafe, the decision to pause or terminate service is not subject to override by the customer. The service-call fee applies for any work or travel already performed.

19. Intellectual Property and Proprietary Methods

Southern Garage Doors employs proprietary service methods, including but not limited to custom spring cutting and calibration techniques. The Customer agrees not to photograph, record, or reproduce the Company’s proprietary methods, techniques, or custom tooling for commercial use without written consent.

This section does not restrict the Customer’s right to photograph completed work for personal records or review purposes.

20. Scheduling, Billing, and Warranty Administration

To maintain clarity and accountability:

All scheduling, billing, and warranty matters are handled through our main office.
After-hours contact is reserved for genuine emergencies.
All changes must be confirmed in writing or verbally through official channels; silence never implies agreement.
Requests involving manipulation, harassment, or unsafe conditions are declined.
We act — and expect others to act — in good faith.

21. Good Faith and Severability

Our relationship with each homeowner is meant to be a partnership built on honesty, humility, and shared respect. If respect or honesty breaks down, we may end service to preserve safety and integrity. Bad faith includes deception, verbal abuse, unpaid balances, or requests that place people or property at risk. When such situations occur, they are documented, and we part calmly but firmly so integrity and safety remain intact for everyone involved.

Severability. If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving the original intent.

Entire Agreement. These Terms, together with any approved estimate or work order, constitute the entire agreement between the parties regarding the services described herein and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements, representations, and understandings.

22. Our Standard of Work

We serve with quiet excellence — never noise, pressure, or pretense. We commit to:

Communicating truthfully and professionally.
Performing work to industry standards, UL 325 safety requirements, and company specifications.
Correcting genuine workmanship errors within the stated warranty.
Declining work that is unsafe, unethical, or outside the agreed scope.

Integrity means holding the same standard for everyone, every time.

These Terms of Service are not meant to shield us from responsibility, but to provide a framework where good work, grace, and peace can stand together.

By scheduling service with Southern Garage Doors, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms.

Southern Garage Doors (DBA of Southern Garage Doors, Inc.) Florida Certified Specialty Contractor — License SCC131153700 Phone: (941) 356-4334 Service Area: Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Florida