Storm Damage in Florida Increases Need for Independent Contractors

Over the years, Florida has been among the US states that have suffered losses amounting to billions of dollars in storm damage. Some Floridian boomers, millennials, and gen Z’s alike may relate to the likes of Hurricane Irma, Michael, and Ian, with the latter being the most recent catastrophic hurricane to hit the Sunshine State in 2022.

Oftentimes, public well-wishers and government bodies come to the rescue, but evacuations are usually not enough solace for the individuals affected by storm damage. And, beyond “charitable” evacuation, many property owners are often willing to pay top dollar to private entities and individuals who can provide services like repair, food delivery, supplies, and temporary accommodation, albeit affordably.

More often than not, these service providers will be independent contractors.

The Hurricane Ian 

To a considerable number of Floridians, September 28, 2022, wasn’t an ordinary Wednesday. Just a few minutes after 3pm EDT, what was considered a category 4 storm set ashore in Cayo Costa, spreading to neighborhoods like Naples, Punta Gorda, Sanibel, and Fort Myers, with the latter being the hardest hit victim of Hurricane Ian.

Based on warnings prior to the storm, many businesses were closed down and state projects suspended, from restaurants to ports, airports, Walt Disney, and more. Combined with the impact of evacuations and property damage, the total financial losses caused by Ian in Florida in 2022 would be in the range of several hundred million USD to tens of billions.

Low Employment Rate in the FL Construction Industry 

Of course, Florida is one of the states with the best investment opportunities, especially in the construction and real estate industries. This literally means that almost every contractor in the construction industry is busy with ongoing projects, which is nothing short of amazing to any investor.

However, it may not be all that soothing for storm damage victims in FL. As TechTarget’s Patrick Thibodeau put it in a September 29 publication, rebuilding the Sunshine State after Hurricane Ian would be sluggish, owing to the relatively low unemployment rate in the construction industry. 

But would this perhaps be a reason for independent contractors to celebrate?

How to Get Licensed As a Contractor in Florida 

Becoming a licensed construction contractor in Florida is a multistep process, one whose licensing requirements may vary depending on specialty. It may also depend on the license you are seeking, whether a registered or certified contractor license.

Basically, however, you will need to pass the state construction examination, provide proof of experience/education, and have good credit to get recognized as a registered and licensed business. An essential part of this also involves knowing how to set up a Florida LLC, which would be the best business structure when getting started as an independent contractor.

Independent Contractors Can Make Merry

After a major (or minor) storm, there is often substantial damage that needs to be repaired for residential and commercial buildings and public infrastructure. The damage can range from broken windows to dysfunctional doors, damaged furniture, and roofs completely blown off of the property.

Home and business owners may need to hire independent contractors to come in and make the necessary repairs. The demand for these services often increases after a storm, and prices may often be higher than usual.

Affordability 

Of course, a flourishing economy equates to good business opportunities as an independent contractor. And considering the low unemployment rate in Florida’s construction industry, as earlier mentioned, one might have less competition to deal with as an IC.

Having suffered immense losses, those affected by storms may also be willing to hire the most reputed independent contractor they come across, perhaps without blinking if they find the services affordable enough.

Indeed, Florida’s occasional hits by adverse climatic conditions have set the bar high, warranting more players in the construction industry. This is something that independent contractors with some knowledge or experience in the industry could leverage to either profit themselves or give back to the community.

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