Gym Changed Locations - Can I Cancel Without 60 Day Notice

[STACIR3345]

My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: FL


Golds Gym, Jacksonville FL. My gym changed locations - the new location is within 5 miles as their contract states, but it is cramped, has less equipment, and now we have to pay for parking (or they validate the parking pass.) An employee said that they were evicted from the previous locaiton for not paying their rent. I have a month-to-month contract, but it stipulates I have to give notice of cancellation and pay for the next 60 days.

The new location is in the landing, which in the last yr has had many reports of crime, muggings, break-ins etc. They even have security officers there it's so bad. I don't feel comfortable walking from the parking lot to the gym at night - it's dark and even with the security I just don't feel comfortable.

I called the membership director, who stated that there was no way out of my 60-day cancellation period. There was no one else I could talk to about it, and only the owners were above her, but I couldn't have their name or contact info. She stated that she would "send them an email" but that they don't let people out of this requirement.

Basically, I want to know if there is anyway around this requirement - any law or loophole I could cite to get out of this?

[Mr. Knowitall]

If the contract says you can't cancel early despite the relocation, then that provision doesn't get you out of your contract. The problem at our end is that we can't read the contract, and can't interpret a contract we haven't seen.

Gyms have been doing this for years, and they like their money, so I would not be surprised if the gym manager is correct. But if you want to know for sure, have a lawyer review the contract.