Texas consumers recoup more than $800,000 from TDLR enforcement actions
| Program | Total Amount of Restitution or Refunds Paid |
| Motor Fuel Metering & Quality | $349,617.96 |
| Service Contract Providers | $183,357.71 |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | $102,777.86 |
| Towing & Vehicle Storage Facilities | $62,404.19 |
| Air Conditioning & Refrigeration | $32,821.60 |
| Industrial Housing & Buildings | $30,000.00 |
| Electricians | $23,547.72 |
| Dietitians | $9,540.00 |
| Barbering & Cosmetology | $8,448.21 |
| Hearing Instrument Fitters & Dispensers | $5,240.00 |
| Podiatrists | $710.00 |
| Driver Education & Safety | $274.00 |
| Total | $808,739.25 |
AUSTIN – Texas consumers had more than $800,000 returned to them during the 2025 fiscal year in restitution and refunds resulting from enforcement cases filed against Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) licensees.
“Most TDLR licensees are honest and forthright in their dealings with their customers. However, some miss the mark. Our agency focuses on protecting all consumers and small businesses that operate in an ethical and lawful manner, and our goal in enforcement actions is to make the consumer whole,” said TDLR Executive Director Courtney Arbour.
The restitutions and refunds were made by TDLR licensees who had complaints filed against them by consumers whose property was damaged or were owed refunds or had been overcharged for services.
- Motor Fuel Metering and Quality – $349,617.96: The majority of restitution payments covered vehicle damage caused by water, bad quality fuel, or incorrect fuel type in a fuel dispenser. These types of issues can lead to thousands of dollars of damage to vehicles.
- Service Contract Providers – $183,357.71: Service contracts are often called extended warranties or service agreements and protection plans. A consumer who cancels an active service contract is entitled to a full or pro-rata refund of the service contract’s purchase price, minus any applicable cancellation fee or any claims paid under the service contract. Consumers who cancel and do not receive a refund can file a complaint with TDLR, which may be able to assist them in retrieving their refund.
- Orthotists and Prosthetists – $102,777.86: Orthotists and prosthetists create custom-made or custom-fitted medical devices that replace missing limbs or provide support or correct neuromuscular or musculoskeletal issues. These devices can cost thousands of dollars.
- Towing and Vehicle Storage Facilities – $62,404.19: Most of those refunds resulted from illegal tows or when companies charged unnecessary or unapproved towing fees.
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration – $32,821.60: The payments were refunds made to consumers who had work performed by TDLR licensees, however the work was not done up to code.
- Electricians – $23,547.72: The payments were refunds made to consumers who had work performed by TDLR licensees, however the work was not done up to code.
- Dietitians – $9,540.00: Dietitians must keep their license up to date for clients to be able to use health insurance for the services. TDLR was able to obtain restitution for a client who had to pay out of pocket to cover what insurance would not.
- Barbering & Cosmetology – $8,448.21: The payments were tuition reimbursements to students who did not receive services they had paid for or who withdrew from school and were not refunded the amounts that were owed to them.
