Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is warning Panhandle residents about text messages offering tree service bundled with help “coordinating with your insurance company.” His office says the messages are scams. Do not respond.
The Warning Signs
- Unsolicited texts or door knocks offering tree or roof work
- Pressure to sign paperwork on the spot, especially anything called an Assignment of Benefits
- Out-of-state crews with no Florida license
- Demands for large payments up front
Legitimate Florida tree and roofing companies are licensed and can prove it. Report suspected scams and price gouging at myfloridalegal.com. Insurance fraud can also be reported at 1-800-378-0445 or FraudFreeFlorida.com.
Before Any Tree Comes Down
Photograph and video the tree and the damage from every angle before anyone cuts. That documentation is your claim evidence. Keep the invoice, and make sure it separates two different things: cutting a tree off the building so repairs can start is part of the loss. Hauling debris away is a different cost, and policies treat the two differently. A combined one-line bill invites the insurer to cut the number.
Read our Hurricane Isaias claim guide for the full documentation checklist. Free claim review: call 800.511.2240.