Luxury Living or Mold Motel? Bozzuto Threatens Resident After Months of Neglect at Novel Beach Park

TAMPA, FL — June 2025 — A Tampa resident is raising serious health and safety concerns after what he describes as months of neglected maintenance and improper mold remediation at a high-end apartment complex in West Tampa.

Eric [last name withheld for privacy] moved into Novel Beach Park, a Bozzuto-managed property marketed as a luxury community offering “white-glove service,” in mid-2024. But his experience, he says, fell far short of that promise.

“I noticed signs of water damage early on,” Eric said. “But when I asked for help, the problems were covered up instead of fixed.”

According to a notarized statement, the building’s maintenance supervisor acknowledged the damage but painted over the affected area rather than repairing it properly. Months passed before any work began. Even then, Eric says unlicensed workers performed the repairs with no professional supervision—and no certified mold remediation was completed.

“They brought in someone with a moisture meter who took a few pictures and said it was fine. I tried to ask questions about his inspection but he didn’t speak English.,” Eric recalled. “But no one ever cleaned the air ducts or changed the filters, which are basic steps in proper mold remediation.”

As delays continued, Eric says he experienced a flare-up of a previously dormant autoimmune disorder, along with fatigue, sinus issues, and respiratory irritation—symptoms consistent with prolonged mold exposure. He raised these concerns with Bozzuto’s regional management and requested professional remediation, but says his requests were ignored or dismissed.

Despite efforts to resolve the issue privately—including sending a draft of this press release to Bozzuto in hopes of opening a dialogue—Eric received a cease-and-desist letter from Bozzuto’s legal team, threatening criminal prosecution under Florida’s extortion laws.

“I was shocked,” Eric said. “While compensation for the health impact and disruption would have been appreciated, my goal was always to get the mold removed safely and professionally after months of delays. I just wanted a healthy home.”

Now working with regulators and legal advisors, Eric is sharing his story to warn other tenants and push for accountability. He believes others may be affected and urges residents to check their units for signs of hidden mold or water damage.

“This isn’t just about me,” Eric said. “If it can happen to one person, it can happen to others. People deserve to feel safe in their homes—especially when they’re paying for luxury.”

Eric is calling for an independent inspection, proper mold remediation by licensed professionals, and transparent communication from Bozzuto. He also urges local officials to examine the oversight of property management practices in residential buildings.