June 24, 2025

JWB Real Estate Management Fined for Violating Servicemembers’ Rights

News Summary

JWB Real Estate Management has been fined $64,000 for unlawfully charging early termination fees to servicemembers in Jacksonville, Florida. The U.S. Department of Justice found that the company violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act by imposing illegal fees on at least six military personnel who were ending leases due to relocation orders. JWB will compensate affected servicemembers and has committed to revising its policies to prevent future violations. This case underscores the importance of protecting the rights of military families.

Jacksonville – JWB Real Estate Management, a property management company based in Jacksonville, Florida, has been fined $64,000 after violating the rights of military servicemembers. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) found that the company unlawfully charged early termination fees to servicemembers who were attempting to end their leases due to military relocation orders.

According to the DOJ’s findings, JWB imposed these illegal fees on at least six servicemembers who were exercising their rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). This federal law protects military personnel by allowing them to terminate leases without penalty when they receive orders for relocation.

As part of the settlement agreement, JWB will directly compensate the affected servicemembers with over $39,000. The company will also pay an additional civil penalty of $25,000. In response to the violations, JWB has committed to revising its policies and enhancing training protocols to ensure its future operations comply with the SCRA.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon highlighted the DOJ’s commitment to protecting military families from unfair treatment by landlords and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of servicemembers. Furthermore, U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe reiterated that servicemembers have the right to legal protections and that discrimination against them must be actively addressed.

Since 2011, the DOJ has successfully recovered over $483 million for more than 148,000 servicemembers through various enforcement actions related to the SCRA. For military personnel who suspect their rights have been infringed upon, assistance is available through the Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program, which helps servicemembers navigate legal issues and provides necessary resources.

In response to the situation, Alex Sifakis, the President of JWB Real Estate Companies, stated that the firm is dedicated to providing respectful service to military and veteran residents. Sifakis emphasized that corrections have already been made to fix the administrative errors that led to the improper fees. He noted that these affected less than 1% of the company’s military move-outs.

JWB has also implemented updates to its internal processes to prevent future occurrences of such errors, demonstrating its commitment to compliance and to ensuring that servicemembers receive the treatment they deserve. Additionally, the company is focused on maintaining and enhancing its veteran-focused programs, indicating a long-term strategy to support the military community effectively.

This recent case serves as a reminder of the legal protections available to military servicemembers and the consequences businesses face when they fail to adhere to federal laws designed to shield this important segment of the population. The DOJ’s actions reflect ongoing efforts to ensure that violations of servicemembers’ rights are met with accountability, thereby reinforcing the need for landlords and property management companies to comply with the SCRA.

As military relocations are common and often necessitate immediate action, it is vital for rental companies to understand and respect the rights of servicemembers. With the settlement, JWB aims to rectify its previous actions and moves toward a more compliant and supportive operational model for those who serve in the armed forces.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Pearl Square Development in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Launches New Residential and Retail Project
Jacksonville’s Gateway Jax Breaks Ground on New Development
Groundbreaking for New Mixed-Use Development in Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s Gateway Jax Development Breaks Ground
Downtown Jacksonville’s Gateway Jax Development Begins
Gateway Jax Development Begins in Downtown Jacksonville
Gateway Jax Expands Development into Springfield

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

Stay Connected

More Updates

Florida Homeowners Rally Against Roofing Deception

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit