They Are Already Knocking
One week after Hurricane Isaias, the storm chasers are here. Some are honest contractors. Others are scammers who follow every hurricane in Florida.
10 Red Flags That Should End the Conversation
- They knocked on your door. You did not call them. How did they know you needed help?
- Out-of-state plates or no local office. They will be gone before the work is done.
- Pressure to sign today. This price expires tonight is a lie.
- Large upfront deposit with no permit activity. Florida law says if a contractor takes more than 10 percent upfront, they must apply for permits within 30 days and start work within 90 days. A big deposit with nothing happening is a red flag.
- Cash only. No paper trail means no accountability.
- They ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits. Florida banned AOBs for property insurance in 2023. Anyone asking you to sign one is asking you to break the law.
- They offer to pay your deductible. This is insurance fraud. You could be liable.
- No Florida license. Ask for the number. Verify it at MyFloridaLicense.com.
- No local references. Ask for three recent jobs in your area. Call them.
- Scare tactics. Your roof will collapse tomorrow is manipulation, not information.
One red flag is a warning. Two or more means walk away.
What Florida Law Says
Florida banned assignment of benefits agreements for property insurance policies in 2023. An AOB lets a contractor take over your insurance claim and deal with your carrier directly. The ban exists because contractors abused it.
Never sign anything you do not fully understand. Take the paperwork. Read it at home. Show it to someone you trust.
How to Verify Any Contractor
- Check the license at MyFloridaLicense.com. Confirm it is active, issued to the company name on the contract, and covers the type of work.
- Confirm they are bonded and insured. Ask for proof.
- Look up reviews and complaints. Check Google, the BBB, and the Attorney General’s complaint database.
- Get everything in writing. Scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule.
- Get three estimates. Not one. Three.
A reputable contractor hands you all of this without hesitation. If they dodge any step, the conversation is over.
If You Have Been Scammed
Report it to the Florida Attorney General at MyFloridaLegal.com or call 1-866-9NO-SCAM. For FEMA-related fraud, call 866-720-5721.
If a contractor did poor work on your home, document it with photos. That damage may be part of your insurance claim.
A public adjuster represents you, not the insurance company and not the contractor. If Isaias damaged your home and you need someone in your corner, call 800.511.2240 for a free claim review.