During the 2024 fiscal year, Texas consumers were awarded more than $402,000 in restitution and refunds stemming from enforcement cases filed against licensees of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
TDLR Executive Director Courtney Arbour emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting consumers and supporting ethical small businesses, stating, “Most TDLR licensees are honest and forthright in their dealings with their customers. However, there are a few licensees who miss the mark. Our goal in enforcement actions is to make the consumer whole.”
The refunds were issued to consumers who experienced property damage, were owed refunds, or were overcharged for services by TDLR licensees.
Key restitution figures included:
- Motor Fuel Metering and Quality: $127,881.69 for vehicle damage due to water, poor fuel quality, or incorrect fuel types.
- Service Contract Providers: $119,442.26 for refunds owed to consumers who canceled service contracts.
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration: $71,116.19 for refunds related to work not performed to code.
- Towing and Vehicle Storage Facilities: $63,755.02, primarily for illegal tows or unauthorized fees.
Additional restitution amounts from other programs totaled $3,440 for electricians, $2,699.98 for hearing instrument fitters and dispensers, and smaller amounts from combative sports, laser hair removal, auctioneers, driver education and safety, and property tax consultants.
Overall, the total amount of restitution and refunds paid to consumers by TDLR licensees in Fiscal Year 2024 was $402,875.87.
