How To Avoid Unlicensed Contractors After A Disaster or Damaging Storm

By  //  June 6, 2016

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The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is reminding consumers, businesses and professionals to hire only licensed professionals to perform repair services after a hurricane or other disaster – a time when unlicensed contractors come out of the woodwork.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is reminding consumers, businesses and professionals to hire only licensed professionals to perform repair services after a hurricane or other disaster – a time when unlicensed contractors come out of the woodwork.

Bobby Freeman
Bobby Freeman

“Unfortunately after a storm has caused damage to your property you might have someone knocking at your door posing as a licensed contractor” says Bobby Freeman, Realtor for RE/MAX Elite’s McCoy-Freeman Group.

“These unlicensed contractors usually quote low prices and will ask for large sums of cash money upfront” says Freeman.

There is often an influx of unlicensed contracting activity during hurricane season.

Unlicensed activity occurs when an individual not licensed by the state provides services that require a license in the state of Florida. In some cases, contractors travel from out of state to areas affected by natural disasters to take advantage of the extensive repair work.

However, DBPR reminded Florida consumers that licensed contractors in another state must still obtain a state license from DBPR to perform construction services on a Florida home or business.

During a natural disaster, DBPR may organize door-to-door sweeps in conjunction with law enforcement, building departments and other state agencies.

Consumers should report suspected unlicensed activity to DBPR by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 866-532-1440.

Consumers can verify a license by visiting www.myfloridalicense.com, calling 850-487-1395 or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.