Avoiding Storm Repair Scams in Florida After a Hurricane

After a hurricane, homeowners need help fast, and that's exactly when bad actors show up. Florida has strong laws aimed at storm-related fraud, but the best protection is still knowing what to check before you sign.

What Florida law does

• Unlicensed contracting during an emergency is a felony. Normally, contracting without a license is a misdemeanor for a first offense. During a state of emergency declared by the governor, it becomes a third-degree felony. Counties such as Charlotte have reissued this warning after recent hurricanes, and they note it applies to all construction, not only storm repairs.
• Assignment of benefits is off the table for newer policies. For residential property insurance policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, post-loss assignments of benefits are void. A contractor can't take over your claim by having you sign one.
• Roofing solicitation rules. Florida law restricts contractors from advertising that encourages you to file a roof insurance claim without required disclosures, from offering gifts or anything of value in exchange for an inspection or a claim, and from interpreting your policy for you. See roof insurance claims in Florida.
• Deposit protections. If a contractor takes more than 10% up front, they must apply for permits within 30 days and start within 90 days of the permit. See contractor deposits.

Red flags after a storm

• Door-to-door offers, especially "free roof inspections"
• Out-of-state plates and no local office or history
• No license number, or one that doesn't check out
• Pressure to sign today or "before the insurance money runs out"
• Offers to waive or cover your deductible
• Asking you to sign documents you haven't read, including ones about your insurance claim
• A large payment before any work, with no materials ordered
• Suggestions to skip permits or to put the permit in your name

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What to do instead

1. Stay safe first. Stay away from downed lines and don't go on the roof.
2. Document the damage with photos and video before any cleanup, and notify your insurer.
3. Make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent more damage, such as tarping or boarding, and keep receipts.
4. Check licenses at MyFloridaLicense.com before hiring anyone. Our step-by-step license check takes about ten minutes.
5. Get written quotes for permanent repairs, even if you have to wait a bit.
6. Read the contract before you sign; use our contract checklist.
7. Report unlicensed activity to DBPR through its report unlicensed activity page.

Flood zones and big repairs

If your home is in a flood zone and the damage is extensive, your building department may need to decide whether the home is substantially damaged before you can rebuild. Find out before you commit to a contractor; see the FEMA 50% rule.

Getting help

If you think you've been targeted, contact DBPR, your local sheriff or police, and the Florida Attorney General's consumer protection hotline. Keep every document, text and receipt.