A Florida resident has taken legal action against a local hotel, alleging negligence and breach of warranty after a distressing encounter with bed bugs. On September 17, 2025, Johnnie Garvin filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, accusing JMKVN, LLC, operating as Budget Inn St. Petersburg, of failing to maintain safe and sanitary conditions at their establishment.
According to the lawsuit filed by Garvin’s attorney Andres I. Beregovich from The Beregovich Law Firm, P.A., the incident occurred on June 23, 2025. Garvin was staying in room 215 at Budget Inn St. Petersburg when he allegedly suffered multiple bed bug bites due to the hotel’s negligence. The complaint outlines that Budget Inn had a duty to ensure that their premises were free from dangerous conditions such as bed bugs but failed to do so. “The Defendant owed Garvin…the duty to exercise reasonable care for the safety of Garvin,” states the complaint.
Garvin claims that Budget Inn neglected several responsibilities including proper inspection and maintenance of the hotel room. Specifically, it is alleged that they allowed bed bugs to exist and failed to warn him about this potential danger despite knowing or having reason to know about it. As a result of these failures, Garvin asserts he suffered physical injuries and emotional distress leading to medical expenses and loss of income.
In addition to negligence, Garvin accuses Budget Inn of breaching an implied warranty of habitability—a legal doctrine requiring landlords and property managers to maintain livable conditions. The complaint argues that by not ensuring the premises were habitable and free from infestations like bed bugs, Budget Inn violated this implied warranty.
Furthermore, Garvin’s lawsuit cites violations of specific Florida statutes related to public lodging establishments as evidence of negligence. Under Florida Statute § 509.221(6) and (7), transient establishments must provide clean bedding for guests and take effective measures against vermin infestation—requirements which Garvin alleges were not met by Budget Inn.
Garvin seeks compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 but less than $75,000 for his injuries and losses resulting from what he describes as permanent or continuing harm caused by the defendant’s actions or omissions. He also demands a jury trial on all claims triable by right.
Representing Johnnie Garvin is attorney Andres I. Beregovich from The Beregovich Law Firm based in Orlando with an additional office in Miami available by appointment only. The case has been assigned Case Number: 25-005198-CI.
Source: 25005198CI_Johnnie_Garvin_v_JMKVN_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
