John A. and Bonnie W. Stepan, longtime residents of Palm Beach, Florida, have filed a Demand for Arbitration against Terminix/Rentokil, alleging the company failed to complete termite damage remediation to their home's loggia dining room for approximately six years. The complaint, filed on June 26, 2026, seeks damages for breach of contract, systemic fraud, intentional infliction of mental distress, and violations of Florida consumer protection and elder abuse statutes, with punitive damages exceeding $13 million.
According to the arbitration complaint, the Stepans first reported termite damage to their loggia dining room in 2020, but repairs remain incomplete. Mrs. Stepan, 79, and Mr. Stepan, 80, allege they have been unable to use their dining room for six years. The complaint further alleges that Terminix/Rentokil retained and dismissed two contractors before hiring One Stop Inc., a Coral Gables contractor, which allegedly performed defective work, used improper materials, violated electrical codes, and failed to address additional termite damage discovered during the project.
The arbitration filing states that official communications from the Town of Palm Beach were sent to a former Terminix/Rentokil contractor and were not acted upon. Additionally, One Stop allegedly attempted to conceal termite damage that developed during the extended delay and sought additional payment to repair a damaged lattice screen that the Stepans contend was already within the scope of work.
“This company has tortured the Stepan family for years,” said attorney William D. McCann, who represents the Stepans. “Mr. Stepan made literally hundreds of calls to various Terminix/Rentokil personnel, only to experience no callbacks, untruthful excuses, and repeated delays regarding completion of the work.” McCann further alleges that after the Stepans retained legal counsel, Terminix/Rentokil agreed to pay for complete remediation but later conditioned payment on the execution of a general release, continuing a pattern of alleged bad faith.
The complaint references another arbitration involving retired Alabama school teachers who reportedly received a $2.8 million arbitration award after alleging similar conduct by Terminix. The Stepans' arbitration remains pending, and the allegations have not been adjudicated. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of elderly consumers by pest control companies and the adequacy of consumer protection laws in Florida.
