Why so much traffic now in early October? (Punta Gorda: rent, insurance)

[beach43ofus]

Not just the work trucks, but cars?

Did a lot of people who own 2nd homes return early this year to check on their homes, and conduct repairs/clean up?

Usually, wehn te snowbirds return, this forum gets much busier, but I'm not seeing that.

Please tell me this isn't the new normal.

[MOforthewin]

Seeing that too! However aroubd here in Punta Gorda not all the usual snowbirds. They look like handymen from out of state driving unmarked trucks and cars.

Also, a lot of the ones you see who are not elderly are likely in the insurance industry down here to help process claims, work for fema etc.

But around here many look like its work related for the insurance companies. Like those insurance villages. They literally have hundreds of office workers at the Murdock circle one. Not all of them are local.

[joshan]

lots of FEMA money to be had.

[wondermint2]

Do you think more snowbirds will choose SE Florida this winter because they had less damage? Also IMO the additional workers, insurance adjusters, and displaced folks in SW Florida will likely lead to higher seasonal rents this snowbird season.

[Usir]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Do you think more snowbirds will choose SE Florida this winter because they had less damage? Also IMO the additional workers, insurance adjusters, and displaced folks in SW Florida will likely lead to higher seasonal rents this snowbird season.

It’s possible that some may choose SE Florida but most likely only if their normal accommodations are forced to cancel their stay because the home of condo received too much damage to repair.

A lot of them book for the coming season the day they leave from the current season as well and may not have time to cancel and get refunded. The areas not hard hit probably are booking furiously now and may not be able to take on new bookings for those attempting to rearrange travel plans.

I’m not sure those who rent seasonally can up prices. As stated many pre-bookings have already locked in their rates and many may just skip one season if they feel landlords are attempting to gouge them because of the crises. As much as people get accustomed to a certain area they may be willing to change to any of a number of different coastal areas outside the state for a one year hiatus as long as the weather and amenities are similar to what they usually enjoy.

[beach43ofus]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Do you think more snowbirds will choose SE Florida this winter because they had less damage? Also IMO the additional workers, insurance adjusters, and displaced folks in SW Florida will likely lead to higher seasonal rents this snowbird season.

If they stayed here in SW FLA last year, and their place is inhabitable, they'll return here.

If they are 1st timers, or if their normal place got wiped out, they'll be much more likely to try SE FLA.

[beach43ofus]

I wonder if the out of state contractors are licensed to work in FLA?

Does the state make exceptions in times like this?

[newtovenice]

Originally Posted by beach43ofus

I wonder if the out of state contractors are licensed to work in FLA?

Does the state make exceptions in times like this?

If you need a roof are you waiting 3 months? Or taking the guy who can put it on now?

Many Hurricane Charley damaged homes have unpermitted work, including roofs, because insurers and county inspectors couldn't work fast enough.

if you need to get work done, you need to get work done.

[1rainman]

All of the above. It is the new normal but some snow birds came here early to check out damage and work crews from out of state. I did some clean up for snow birds who are here ahead of schedule. Some houses were flooded and gutted.

[beach43ofus]

Originally Posted by newtovenice

If you need a roof are you waiting 3 months? Or taking the guy who can put it on now?

Many Hurricane Charley damaged homes have unpermitted work, including roofs, because insurers and county inspectors couldn't work fast enough.

if you need to get work done, you need to get work done.

Do they need a building permit to do a roof? If so, & they not a Florida licensed contractor, how do they obtain the permit?

I have not seen mentioned anywhere in the news....odd.