LEGAL
Terms of Service
Clear Boundaries. Professional Standards. Southern Garage Doors (DBA of Southern Garage Doors, Inc.) — Florida Certified Specialty Contractor — License SCC131153700. Effective April 2, 2026.
Introduction
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.
1. Parties and Agreement
These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a binding agreement between the homeowner or authorized property representative ("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.
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.
4–5. Customer Responsibilities and Appointments
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.
- 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.
Homeowner Presence. 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.
Animal Safety. All pets and animals must be fully secured and kept completely separate from the work area for the entire duration of service. This is a strict, non-negotiable policy for the safety of everyone involved.
6. Same-Day Service Availability
Southern Garage Doors advertises same-day service as a general capability, not a guaranteed commitment. This section explains what same-day service means, when it is available, and what happens when it is not.
Definition. "Same-day service" means that a technician appointment is scheduled and completed on the same calendar day the customer's service request is received by our office.
Availability conditions. Same-day service is available when all of the following conditions are met:
- The service request is received during standard business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time, or Saturday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
- The property is located within our service area (Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Florida).
- A qualified technician with the required parts and equipment is available for dispatch on that date.
- The scope of the requested service can reasonably be completed within the remaining hours of that business day.
Not a guarantee. Same-day availability is subject to technician scheduling, parts inventory, and call volume on the date of the request. During high-demand periods — including severe weather events, holiday weekends, or peak season — same-day slots may be fully booked. Southern Garage Doors does not guarantee same-day service on any specific request.
Sunday and after-hours requests. Our office is closed on Sundays. Service requests received on Sunday, or outside of business hours on any day, will be scheduled for the next available appointment. Same-day service is not available for after-hours requests.
When same-day is unavailable. If same-day service cannot be provided on the date requested, we will communicate the next available appointment time. The customer is under no obligation to accept and may reschedule at no charge.
No same-day surcharge. Same-day service is provided at our standard published rates. No additional fee is charged for same-day scheduling. All pricing is disclosed before work begins, consistent with Section 7–8 of these Terms.
Planned and discretionary closures. Southern Garage Doors reserves the right to temporarily suspend or limit service availability for any operational reason at the company's discretion, including planned closures for vacation, company observances, or staff scheduling, and unplanned closures due to illness, staffing shortages, or equipment issues. We will make reasonable efforts to notify affected customers in advance of planned closures and as promptly as possible for unplanned ones, and will work to reschedule any confirmed appointments at the earliest available time at no charge to the customer.
Force majeure. Extreme weather conditions, road closures, natural disasters, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control may prevent same-day service even when a slot was previously confirmed. In such cases, we will contact the customer as promptly as possible to reschedule.
7–8. Pricing, Estimates, and Payment
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.
Estimates are valid for thirty (30) days from the date provided unless otherwise stated.
Payment Terms. Payment is due upon completion of service unless otherwise arranged in writing. We accept cash, check, and 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.
Right to Lien. In accordance with Florida Statute Chapter 713, Southern Garage Doors, Inc. reserves the right to file a construction lien against the property where services were performed if payment is not received within the terms of this agreement.
9–11. Safety, Respect, and Scope of Work
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. We ask that homeowners refrain from entering the work area without permission and keep children, pets, and others at a safe distance.
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.
Pre-Existing Conditions. 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.
Scope of Work. We perform only the work described in the approved estimate. If additional work is discovered to be necessary, the technician will explain findings and provide a supplemental estimate. No additional work is performed without your approval.
12. Warranty
Warranty terms are described in our Warranty Policy and vary by service type. General 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; 1 year on springs.
Warranty is void if third-party work has been performed on the covered components during the warranty period, if components have been modified or adjusted by others, if the issue is unrelated to the original work, or if payment remains outstanding.
13–16. Liability, Indemnification, Disputes, and Force Majeure
Limitation of Liability. To the maximum extent permitted by Florida law, the total liability of Southern Garage Doors, Inc. shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Customer for the specific service giving rise to the claim. The Company shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages of any kind.
Indemnification. The Customer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Southern Garage Doors, Inc. from claims arising from the Customer's breach of these Terms, negligence, failure to follow safety instructions, or false information provided regarding the property or service history.
Dispute Resolution. Disputes follow a three-step process: (1) direct resolution through good-faith communication within 30 days, (2) non-binding mediation in Sarasota County, Florida, (3) binding arbitration per American Arbitration Association rules. These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida.
Force Majeure. We shall not be liable for delays resulting from circumstances beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, severe weather, pandemics, supply chain disruptions, or utility failures.
17–22. Service Rights, Technician Protection, and Standards
Right to Refuse Service. We reserve the right to decline, pause, or terminate service if the job site presents safety hazards, if behavior is abusive or threatening, if animals are not secured, if false information is provided, or if payment for prior services is outstanding.
Technician Protection. We protect the safety, dignity, privacy, and professional integrity of every technician. Audio recording of conversations without consent is prohibited under Florida Statute § 934.03. Video recording of proprietary methods for commercial use or distribution requires written consent. Customers agree not to solicit technicians for private or off-the-books work.
Standard of Work. We serve with quiet excellence — never noise, pressure, or pretense. We commit to communicating truthfully, performing work to UL 325 safety standards, correcting genuine workmanship errors within warranty, and declining work that is unsafe or unethical.
Severability. If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions continue in full force. These Terms, together with any approved estimate, constitute the entire agreement.
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