Floridians Urged To Use Only Licensed Professionals for Home Repairs Following Hurricane Ian
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Melanie S. Griffin is warning Florida homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian to be on alert and reject fraudulent and illegal offers to perform work on their homes.
The DBPR says homeowners should use properly state-licensed professionals and verify the contractor at myfloridalicense.com.
“You can bet that fraudsters will come out of the woodwork in the days and weeks ahead. The key safeguard is only doing business with professionals you confirm are properly licensed in Florida. Ask for their license information,” said Griffin.
Avoid the most common traps and threats created by unlicensed frauds:
- Taking a deposit but not performing the work, or performing substandard work resulting in an extensive loss in home value, financial cost to the homeowners, and potential dangers to occupants and guests
- A lack of proper permitting or proof of work performed resulting in difficulty or inability to sell the home
- Non-compliance with building codes leaving defects, or the inability for the home to withstand future storms
- A lack of necessary insurance, creating possible liability for the homeowner for injuries on their property or for shoddy work performed
- Unknown criminal backgrounds allowing potentially dangerous people access to the home and near loved ones
- A lack of education and/or qualifications endangering the safety of homeowners, their loved ones and their property.
Report unlicensed contractors and other unlicensed activity to 866-532-1440 or on the DBPR mobile app or MyFloridaLicense.com.
