Commitments And Contingencies	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2019
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	10. Commitments and Contingencies We, indirectly through Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited (“BVU”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, have an exclusive marketing agreement with Bass Pro, a nationally-recognized retailer of fishing, marine, hunting, camping and sports gear, that provides Bluegreen with the right to market and sell vacation packages at kiosks in each of Bass Pro’s retail locations and through other means. As previously disclosed, in March 2019, we received a notice from Bass Pro stating that Bass Pro intended to cancel our access to the Bass Pro marketing channels and advertising materials as of 30 days from the date of the notice unless we cured certain alleged breaches to Bass Pro’s satisfaction. The alleged breaches cited in the notice included those previously disclosed by us, and specifically Bass Pro’s belief that the amounts paid to it as VOI sales commissions under the marketing agreement should not have been adjusted for certain purchaser defaults, breaches regarding the calculation of commissions and other amounts payable under the marketing agreement and other related agreements, including reimbursements paid to us, as well as matters regarding the operations at Bluegreen/Big Cedar Vacations. In addition, the notice referenced a breach Bass Pro alleged in 2014 regarding customer service. We sent a response to Bass Pro with respect to each of these issues prior to the expiration of the cure period. On April 17, 2019, Bass Pro and its affiliates brought an action against BVU, alleging that BVU failed to pay certain commissions due it under the parties’ marketing agreement, improperly charged a tour generation fee and that its conduct in the Bass Pro retail stores breached its contractual commitments. Bass Pro sought damages plus interest and attorneys’ fees, and such additional relief as the court determines. On May 24, 2019, we received notice from Bass Pro and its affiliates that it was terminating the marketing agreement based on the failure to cure the alleged breaches and we were removed from all Bass Pro retail stores. Subsequently BVU filed a counter claim against Bass Pro and Big Cedar LLC. On June 13, 2019, we entered into a settlement agreement which resolved the action filed by Bass Pro and reinstated and amended the marketing agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, Bass Pro agreed to reinstate BVU’s access to Bass Pro’s marketing channels, including Bass Pro and Cabela’s retail stores. Additionally, with no admission of any wrongdoing, we paid Bass Pro $20 million within 15 days after the execution of the settlement agreement; we agreed to pay Bass Pro $4 million on each January 1 from 2020 through 2024; and we agreed that Bass Pro would keep the remaining $1.5 million of an amount prepaid to them earlier in 2019 under the marketing agreement. Additionally, in lieu of the previous commission arrangement, we agreed to pay Bass Pro a fixed annual fee of $70,000 for each Bass Pro and Cabela’s retail store that BVU accesses (excluding retail stores which are designated to provide tours to Bluegreen/Big Cedar Vacations, or “Bluegreen/Big Cedar Feeder Stores”) plus $32 per net vacation package sold (less cancellations and refunds within 45 days of sale), excluding sales at Bluegreen/Big Cedar Feeder Stores. We also agreed to contribute to the Wonders of Wildlife Foundation $5.00 per net package sold (less cancellations and refunds within 45 days of sale), subject to an annual minimum of $700,000. The fixed annual fee will be prorated for the remainder of 2019. Subject to the terms and conditions of the settlement agreement, we will generally be required to pay the fixed annual fee with respect to at least 60 Bass Pro retail stores and a minimum number of Cabela’s retail stores that increases over time to a total of at least 60 Cabela’s retail stores by the end of 2021. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the minimum number of Bass Pro and Cabela’s retail stores for purposes of the fixed annual fee may be reduced under certain circumstances set forth in the settlement agreement, including as a result of a reduction of traffic in the stores in excess of 25% year-over-year. The parties executed mutual waivers and releases and agreed to the dismissal of the litigation. We accrued for the net present value of the above amounts, plus attorney costs, totaling approximately $39.1 million, which is reflected in selling, general, and administrative expenses in our unaudited consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. As such, as of June 30, 2019, $17.3 million remained accrued for the remaining payments required by the settlement agreement, which is included in accrued liabilities and other in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2019. As of June 30, 2019, Bluegreen sold vacation packages in 67 of Bass Pro’s retail stores. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, VOI sales to prospects and leads generated by the agreement with Bass Pro accounted for approximately 10% and 14%, respectively, of our VOI sales volume. In December 2018, we entered into an agreement with another executive in connection with his retirement. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, we agreed to make payments totaling approximately $2.0 million through December 2019, $0.7 million of which remained payable as of June 30, 2019. In lieu of paying maintenance fees for unsold VOI inventory, we may enter into subsidy agreements with certain HOAs. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, we made payments related to such subsidies of $4.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2019, we had $7.1 million accrued for such subsidies, which is included in accrued liabilities and other in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of such date. As of December 31, 2018, we had no accrued liabilities for such subsidies. In the ordinary course of business, we become subject to claims or proceedings from time to time relating to the purchase, sale, marketing, or financing of VOIs or our other business activities. We are also subject to certain matters relating to the Bluegreen Communities’ business, substantially all of the assets of which were sold by us during May 2012. Additionally, from time to time in the ordinary course of business, we become involved in disputes with existing and former employees, vendors, taxing jurisdictions and various other parties, and we also receive individual consumer complaints, as well as complaints received through regulatory and consumer agencies, including Offices of State Attorneys General. We take these matters seriously and attempt to resolve any such issues as they arise. Reserves are accrued for matters in which management believes it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe that the aggregate liability relating to known contingencies in excess of the aggregate amounts accrued will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition. However, litigation is inherently uncertain and the actual costs of resolving legal claims, including awards of damages, may be substantially higher than the amounts accrued for these claims and may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition. Management is not at this time able to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses with respect to matters in which it is reasonably possible that a loss will occur. In certain matters, management is unable to estimate the loss or reasonable range of loss until additional developments provide information sufficient to support an assessment of the loss or range of loss. Frequently in these matters, the claims are broad, and the plaintiffs have not quantified or factually supported their claim. On August 24, 2016, Whitney Paxton and Jeff Reeser filed a lawsuit against BVU and certain of its employees (collectively, the “Defendants”), seeking to establish a class action of former and current employees of BVU and alleging violations of plaintiffs’ rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (the “FLSA”) and breach of contract. The lawsuit also sought damages in the amount of the unpaid compensation owed to the plaintiffs. The court granted preliminary approval of class action in September 2017 to conditionally certify collective action and facilitate notice to potential class members be granted with respect to certain employees and denied as to others. In February 2019, the parties agreed to settle the matter for an immaterial amount. The court approved the settlement and dismissed the case with prejudice on May 9, 2019. On September 22, 2017, Stephen Potje, Tamela Potje, Sharon Davis, Beafus Davis, Matthew Baldwin, Tammy Baldwin, Arnor Lee, Angela Lee, Gretchen Brown, Paul Brown, Jeremy Estrada, Emily Estrada, Michael Oliver, Carrie Oliver, Russell Walters, Elaine Walters, and Mike Ericson, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated, filed a purported class action lawsuit against us which asserts claims for alleged violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and the Florida False Advertising Law. In the complaint, the plaintiffs alleged the making of false representations in connection with our sales of VOIs, including representations regarding the ability to use points for stays or other experiences with other vacation providers, the ability to cancel VOI purchases and receive a refund of the purchase price and the ability to roll over unused points, and that annual maintenance fees would not increase. The purported class action lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice after mediation. However, on or about April 24, 2018, plaintiffs re-filed their individual claims in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. We intend to vigorously defend the action. On February 28, 2018, Oscar Hernandez and Estella Michael filed a purported class action litigation in San Bernardino Superior Court against BVU. The central claims in the complaint, as amended during June 2018, include alleged failures to pay overtime and wages at termination and to provide meal and rest periods, as well as claims relating to non-compliant wage statements and unreimbursed business expenses; and a claim under the Private Attorney’s General Act. Plaintiffs seek to represent a class of approximately 660 hourly, non-exempt employees who worked in the state of California since March 1, 2014. An initial case management conference was held and discovery was stayed pending completion of mediation. In April 2019, the parties mediated and agreed to settle the matter for an immaterial amount. It is expected that the court will approve the settlement and the dismissal of the lawsuit after the settlement documents are executed. On June 28, 2018, Melissa S. Landon, Edward P. Landon, Shane Auxier and Mu Hpare, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a purported class action lawsuit against the Company and BVU asserting claims for alleged violations of the Wisconsin Timeshare Act, Wisconsin law prohibiting illegal referral selling, and Wisconsin law prohibiting illegal attorney’s fee provisions. Plaintiffs allegations include that we failed to disclose the identity of the seller of real property at the beginning of our initial contact with the purchaser; that we misrepresented who the seller of the real property was; that we misrepresented the buyer’s right to cancel; that we included an illegal attorney’s fee provision in the sales document(s); that we offered an illegal “today only” incentive to purchase; and that we utilize an illegal referral selling program to induce the sale of VOIs. Plaintiffs seek certification of a class consisting of all persons who, in Wisconsin, purchased from us one or more VOIs within six years prior to the filing of this lawsuit. Plaintiffs seek statutory damages, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief. We believe the lawsuit is without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action. On January 7, 2019, Shehan Wijesinha filed a purported class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (the “TCPA”). It is alleged that BVU called plaintiff’s cell phone for telemarketing purposes using an automated dialing system, and that plaintiff did not give BVU his express written consent to do so. Plaintiffs seek certification of a class comprised of other persons in the United States who, within the four years prior to the filing of the complaint, received similar calls from or on behalf of BVU without the person’s consent. Plaintiff seeks monetary damages, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief. We believe the lawsuit is without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action. On July 15, 2019, the court entered an order staying this case pending a ruling from the Federal Communications Commission clarifying the definition of an automatic telephone dialing system under the TCPA and the decision of the Eleventh Circuit in a separate action brought against a VOI company by a plaintiff alleging violations of the TCPA. On January 7, 2019, Debbie Adair and thirty-four other timeshare purchasers filed a lawsuit against BVU and Bass Pro alleging violations of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, the Tennessee Time-share Act, the California Time-Share Act, fraudulent misrepresentation for failure to make certain required disclosures, fraudulent inducement for inducing purchasers to remain under contract past rescission, unauthorized practice of law, civil conspiracy, unjust enrichment, and breach of contract. Plaintiffs seek rescission of their contracts, money damages, including statutory treble damages, or in the alternative, punitive damages in an amount not less than $0.5 million. We believe the lawsuit is without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action. We have agreed to indemnify Bass Pro with respect to the claims brought against us in this proceeding. This matter was removed to federal court, and plaintiffs are seeking to remand the matter to state court. Commencing in 2015, it came to our attention that our collection efforts with respect to our VOI notes receivable were being impacted by a then emerging, industry-wide trend involving the receipt of “cease and desist” letters from exit firms and attorneys purporting to represent certain VOI owners. Following receipt of these letters, we are unable to contact the owners unless allowed by law. We believe these exit firms have encouraged such owners to become delinquent and ultimately default on their obligations and that such actions and our inability to contact the owners are a primary contributor to the increase in our annual default rates. Our average annual default rates have increased from 6.9% in 2015 to 8.0% in 2019. We also estimate that approximately 16.0% of the total delinquencies on our VOI notes receivable as of June 30, 2019 related to VOI notes receivable subject to this issue. We have in a number of cases pursued, and we may in the future pursue, legal action against the VOI owners, and as described below, against the exit firms. On December 21, 2018, we and BVU filed a lawsuit against timeshare exit firm Totten Franqui and certain of its affiliates (“TPEs”). In the complaint, we alleged that the TPEs, through various forms of deceptive advertising, as well as inappropriate direct contact with VOI owners, made false statements about us and provided misleading information to the VOI owners. The TPEs have encouraged nonpayment by consumers and exacted fees for doing so. We believe the consumers are paying fees to the TPEs in exchange for illusory services. We have asserted claims against the TPEs under the Lanham Act, as well as tortious interference with contractual relations, civil conspiracy to commit tortious interference and other claims. During the course of the litigation, the TPEs and Totten Franqui filed for bankruptcy, which resulted in the litigation being stayed. The bankruptcy judge has appointed an independent trustee to handle the estate of the debtors and we have been in discussions with the bankruptcy trustee about a possible settlement. We intend to assert all of our legal rights in the bankruptcy case.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

We, indirectly through Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited (“BVU”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, have an exclusive marketing agreement with Bass Pro, a nationally-recognized retailer of fishing, marine, hunting, camping and sports gear, that provides Bluegreen with the right to market and sell vacation packages at kiosks in each of Bass Pro’s retail locations and through other means. As previously disclosed, in March 2019, we received a notice from Bass Pro stating that Bass Pro intended to cancel our access to the Bass Pro marketing channels and advertising materials as of 30 days from the date of the notice unless we cured certain alleged breaches to Bass Pro’s satisfaction. The alleged breaches cited in the notice included those previously disclosed by us, and specifically Bass Pro’s belief that the amounts paid to it as VOI sales commissions under the marketing agreement should not have been adjusted for certain purchaser defaults, breaches regarding the calculation of commissions and other amounts payable under the marketing agreement and other related agreements, including reimbursements paid to us, as well as matters regarding the operations at Bluegreen/Big Cedar Vacations. In addition, the notice referenced a breach Bass Pro alleged in 2014 regarding customer service. We sent a response to Bass Pro with respect to each of these issues prior to the expiration of the cure period.

On April 17, 2019, Bass Pro and its affiliates brought an action against BVU, alleging that BVU failed to pay certain commissions due it under the parties’ marketing agreement, improperly charged a tour generation fee and that its conduct in the Bass Pro retail stores breached its contractual commitments. Bass Pro sought damages plus interest and attorneys’ fees, and such additional relief as the court determines.

On May 24, 2019, we received notice from Bass Pro and its affiliates that it was terminating the marketing agreement based on the failure to cure the alleged breaches and we were removed from all Bass Pro retail stores. Subsequently BVU filed a counter claim against Bass Pro and Big Cedar LLC.

On June 13, 2019, we entered into a settlement agreement which resolved the action filed by Bass Pro and reinstated and amended the marketing agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, Bass Pro agreed to reinstate BVU’s access to Bass Pro’s marketing channels, including Bass Pro and Cabela’s retail stores. Additionally, with no admission of any wrongdoing, we paid Bass Pro $20 million within 15 days after the execution of the settlement agreement; we agreed to pay Bass Pro $4 million on each January 1 from 2020 through 2024; and we agreed that Bass Pro would keep the remaining $1.5 million of an amount prepaid to them earlier in 2019 under the marketing agreement. Additionally, in lieu of the previous commission arrangement, we agreed to pay Bass Pro a fixed annual fee of $70,000 for each Bass Pro and Cabela’s retail store that BVU accesses (excluding retail stores which are designated to provide tours to Bluegreen/Big Cedar Vacations, or “Bluegreen/Big Cedar Feeder Stores”) plus $32 per net vacation package sold (less cancellations and refunds within 45 days of sale), excluding sales at Bluegreen/Big Cedar Feeder Stores. We also agreed to contribute to the Wonders of Wildlife Foundation $5.00 per net package sold (less cancellations and refunds within 45 days of sale), subject to an annual minimum of $700,000. The fixed annual fee will be prorated for the remainder of 2019. Subject to the terms and conditions of the settlement agreement, we will generally be required to pay the fixed annual fee with respect to at least 60 Bass Pro retail stores and a minimum number of Cabela’s retail stores that increases over time to a total of at least 60 Cabela’s retail stores by the end of 2021. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the minimum number of Bass Pro and Cabela’s retail stores for purposes of the fixed annual fee may be reduced under certain circumstances set forth in the settlement agreement, including as a result of a reduction of traffic in the stores in excess of 25% year-over-year. The parties executed mutual waivers and releases and agreed to the dismissal of the litigation. We accrued for the net present value of the above amounts, plus attorney costs, totaling approximately $39.1 million, which is reflected in selling, general, and administrative expenses in our unaudited consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. As such, as of June 30, 2019, $17.3 million remained accrued for the remaining payments required by the settlement agreement, which is included in accrued liabilities and other in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2019.

As of June 30, 2019, Bluegreen sold vacation packages in 67 of Bass Pro’s retail stores. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, VOI sales to prospects and leads generated by the agreement with Bass Pro accounted for approximately 10% and 14%, respectively, of our VOI sales volume.

In December 2018, we entered into an agreement with another executive in connection with his retirement. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, we agreed to make payments totaling approximately $2.0 million through December 2019, $0.7 million of which remained payable as of June 30, 2019.

In lieu of paying maintenance fees for unsold VOI inventory, we may enter into subsidy agreements with certain HOAs. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, we made payments related to such subsidies of $4.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2019, we had $7.1 million accrued for such subsidies, which is included in accrued liabilities and other in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of such date. As of December 31, 2018, we had no accrued liabilities for such subsidies.

In the ordinary course of business, we become subject to claims or proceedings from time to time relating to the purchase, sale, marketing, or financing of VOIs or our other business activities. We are also subject to certain matters relating to the Bluegreen Communities’ business, substantially all of the assets of which were sold by us during May 2012. Additionally, from time to time in the ordinary course of business, we become involved in disputes with existing and former employees, vendors, taxing jurisdictions and various other parties, and we also receive individual consumer complaints, as well as complaints received through regulatory and consumer agencies, including Offices of State Attorneys General. We take these matters seriously and attempt to resolve any such issues as they arise.

Reserves are accrued for matters in which management believes it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe that the aggregate liability relating to known contingencies in excess of the aggregate amounts accrued will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition. However, litigation is inherently uncertain and the actual costs of resolving legal claims, including awards of damages, may be substantially higher than the amounts accrued for these claims and may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

Management is not at this time able to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses with respect to matters in which it is reasonably possible that a loss will occur. In certain matters, management is unable to estimate the loss or reasonable range of loss until additional developments provide information sufficient to support an assessment of the loss or range of loss. Frequently in these matters, the claims are broad, and the plaintiffs have not quantified or factually supported their claim.

On August 24, 2016, Whitney Paxton and Jeff Reeser filed a lawsuit against BVU and certain of its employees (collectively, the “Defendants”), seeking to establish a class action of former and current employees of BVU and alleging violations of plaintiffs’ rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (the “FLSA”) and breach of contract. The lawsuit also sought damages in the amount of the unpaid compensation owed to the plaintiffs. The court granted preliminary approval of class action in September 2017 to conditionally certify collective action and facilitate notice to potential class members be granted with respect to certain employees and denied as to others. In February 2019, the parties agreed to settle the matter for an immaterial amount. The court approved the settlement and dismissed the case with prejudice on May 9, 2019.

On September 22, 2017, Stephen Potje, Tamela Potje, Sharon Davis, Beafus Davis, Matthew Baldwin, Tammy Baldwin, Arnor Lee, Angela Lee, Gretchen Brown, Paul Brown, Jeremy Estrada, Emily Estrada, Michael Oliver, Carrie Oliver, Russell Walters, Elaine Walters, and Mike Ericson, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated, filed a purported class action lawsuit against us which asserts claims for alleged violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and the Florida False Advertising Law. In the complaint, the plaintiffs alleged the making of false representations in connection with our sales of VOIs, including representations regarding the ability to use points for stays or other experiences with other vacation providers, the ability to cancel VOI purchases and receive a refund of the purchase price and the ability to roll over unused points, and that annual maintenance fees would not increase. The purported class action lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice after mediation. However, on or about April 24, 2018, plaintiffs re-filed their individual claims in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. We intend to vigorously defend the action.

On February 28, 2018, Oscar Hernandez and Estella Michael filed a purported class action litigation in San Bernardino Superior Court against BVU. The central claims in the complaint, as amended during June 2018, include alleged failures to pay overtime and wages at termination and to provide meal and rest periods, as well as claims relating to non-compliant wage statements and unreimbursed business expenses; and a claim under the Private Attorney’s General Act. Plaintiffs seek to represent a class of approximately 660 hourly, non-exempt employees who worked in the state of California since March 1, 2014. An initial case management conference was held and discovery was stayed pending completion of mediation. In April 2019, the parties mediated and agreed to settle the matter for an immaterial amount. It is expected that the court will approve the settlement and the dismissal of the lawsuit after the settlement documents are executed.

On June 28, 2018, Melissa S. Landon, Edward P. Landon, Shane Auxier and Mu Hpare, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a purported class action lawsuit against the Company and BVU asserting claims for alleged violations of the Wisconsin Timeshare Act, Wisconsin law prohibiting illegal referral selling, and Wisconsin law prohibiting illegal attorney’s fee provisions. Plaintiffs allegations include that we failed to disclose the identity of the seller of real property at the beginning of our initial contact with the purchaser; that we misrepresented who the seller of the real property was; that we misrepresented the buyer’s right to cancel; that we included an illegal attorney’s fee provision in the sales document(s); that we offered an illegal “today only” incentive to purchase; and that we utilize an illegal referral selling program to induce the sale of VOIs. Plaintiffs seek certification of a class consisting of all persons who, in Wisconsin, purchased from us one or more VOIs within six years prior to the filing of this lawsuit. Plaintiffs seek statutory damages, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief. We believe the lawsuit is without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action.

On January 7, 2019, Shehan Wijesinha filed a purported class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (the “TCPA”). It is alleged that BVU called plaintiff’s cell phone for telemarketing purposes using an automated dialing system, and that plaintiff did not give BVU his express written consent to do so. Plaintiffs seek certification of a class comprised of other persons in the United States who, within the four years prior to the filing of the complaint, received similar calls from or on behalf of BVU without the person’s consent. Plaintiff seeks monetary damages, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief. We believe the lawsuit is without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action. On July 15, 2019, the court entered an order staying this case pending a ruling from the Federal Communications Commission clarifying the definition of an automatic telephone dialing system under the TCPA and the decision of the Eleventh Circuit in a separate action brought against a VOI company by a plaintiff alleging violations of the TCPA.

On January 7, 2019, Debbie Adair and thirty-four other timeshare purchasers filed a lawsuit against BVU and Bass Pro alleging violations of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, the Tennessee Time-share Act, the California Time-Share Act, fraudulent misrepresentation for failure to make certain required disclosures, fraudulent inducement for inducing purchasers to remain under contract past rescission, unauthorized practice of law, civil conspiracy, unjust enrichment, and breach of contract. Plaintiffs seek rescission of their contracts, money damages, including statutory treble damages, or in the alternative, punitive damages in an amount not less than $0.5 million. We believe the lawsuit is without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action. We have agreed to indemnify Bass Pro with respect to the claims brought against us in this proceeding. This matter was removed to federal court, and plaintiffs are seeking to remand the matter to state court.

Commencing in 2015, it came to our attention that our collection efforts with respect to our VOI notes receivable were being impacted by a then emerging, industry-wide trend involving the receipt of “cease and desist” letters from exit firms and attorneys purporting to represent certain VOI owners. Following receipt of these letters, we are unable to contact the owners unless allowed by law. We believe these exit firms have encouraged such owners to become delinquent and ultimately default on their obligations and that such actions and our inability to contact the owners are a primary contributor to the increase in our annual default rates. Our average annual default rates have increased from 6.9% in 2015 to 8.0% in 2019. We also estimate that approximately 16.0% of the total delinquencies on our VOI notes receivable as of June 30, 2019 related to VOI notes receivable subject to this issue. We have in a number of cases pursued, and we may in the future pursue, legal action against the VOI owners, and as described below, against the exit firms.

On December 21, 2018, we and BVU filed a lawsuit against timeshare exit firm Totten Franqui and certain of its affiliates (“TPEs”). In the complaint, we alleged that the TPEs, through various forms of deceptive advertising, as well as inappropriate direct contact with VOI owners, made false statements about us and provided misleading information to the VOI owners. The TPEs have encouraged nonpayment by consumers and exacted fees for doing so. We believe the consumers are paying fees to the TPEs in exchange for illusory services. We have asserted claims against the TPEs under the Lanham Act, as well as tortious interference with contractual relations, civil conspiracy to commit tortious interference and other claims. During the course of the litigation, the TPEs and Totten Franqui filed for bankruptcy, which resulted in the litigation being stayed. The bankruptcy judge has appointed an independent trustee to handle the estate of the debtors and we have been in discussions with the bankruptcy trustee about a possible settlement. We intend to assert all of our legal rights in the bankruptcy case.