The owner of Blue Marlin Motors in Stuart has been sentenced to 36 years in prison.
Craig Danzig was accused of grand theft in connection with his business practices.
At one point, prosecutors say Danzig owed more than $1.6 million to people who entrusted him to sell their cars.
Customers such as Eric Adams, who told the court he wanted Danzig to sell a car to try to get through lean times. "Just to make us get by and he wouldn't allow us to do that."
After a trial last summer, a jury found Danzig guilty of more than 55 counts of felony theft.
"There's mistakes made yes. It happens. It's business," he said Danzig claimed he didn't hide from his issues when he fell behind on his mortgage with Blue Marlin Motors in Stuart. "I did not run from my people, I did not leave them anywhere."
He added: "Sometimes people make bad decisions, but they're not a bad person."
Monday, character witnesses portrayed Danzig as a man with a big heart who helped others in times of crisis.
"I did not want you people to think I don't care about you, I know the pain you've gone through losing your money," Danzig said.
But the state painted a picture of a man who got in over his head.
"Danzig created a stealing machine that was very large," said Assistant State Attorney Lev Evans.
"I really thought he was a good friend that's all I can say. Apparently, he's a con artist," said Estelle Oster who says she is owed $50,000.
Still to be decided, how much restitution Danzig will be required to pay.