MarineMax settles data breach class action with $1M payout

US-based marine distributor MarineMax has agreed to pay more than $1 million to settle a class action lawsuit over a 2024 data breach that allegedly compromised sensitive customer information. 

According to court filings obtained by BOATPro, the settlement resolves claims that MarineMax failed to implement "adequate and reasonable cyber-security procedures and protocols, ultimately allowing hackers to access details such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers and bank account information."

MarineMax has denied any wrongdoing and liability, but has agreed to settle for an amount of $1,018,825.50, covering all claims, settlement administration costs, attorneys' fees and costs and any other expenses associated with the class action settlement.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members who submit a valid claim will be eligible to receive reimbursement of up to $5,000 for identity theft losses and up to $2,000 for out-of-pocket expenses related to the data breach. 

Those who did not elect to receive two years of credit monitoring, previously offered by MarineMax, can receive up to three years of one-bureau credit monitoring, while those who accepted the initial offer can receive an additional 12 months of coverage.

After identity theft loss, out-of-pocket expense and credit monitoring payments are deducted from the settlement fund, the remaining funds will be distributed among the estimated 123,494 claimants on a pro rata basis, with a cap of $500 per claimant.

A preliminary review by the US District Court Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, found the proposed settlement to be "fair, reasonable and adequate to warrant providing notice of the settlement to the settlement class".

The exclusions and objection deadline has been set for 14 May 2025, with the final approval hearing scheduled for 17 June 2025.