Florida Prohibits Roofers Not Licenced In FL To Repair Roofs (North Port: insurance, homes)

[wondermint2]

Florida sheriff arrests Texas roofer for attempting to work on homes damaged by Hurricane Ian

https://floridapolitics.com/archives...hurricane-ian/

[wondermint2]

There was some relaxing of FL rules after Hurricane Ian with an emergency declaration. It's explained here:

Florida emergency order waives requirements for contractors after hurricane

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/fl...ter-hurricane/

A Florida emergency order was put into effect that will waive certain contractor requirements to speed up help for homeowners and businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian, according to state officials.

The order waives certain requirements for general, building, or residential contractors who are certified or registered in Florida.

According to the order, such contractors will be allowed to perform their own roof repairs and replacements without subcontracting to a licensed roofer.

Registered contractors from any local jurisdiction in Florida will also be allowed to contract for work in the listed counties, even if those counties might ordinarily be outside their geographical scope limitations, the order states.

While the order is aimed at relaxing requirements, contractors are still required to obtain licensure in Florida before contracting for work, the release shows.

[wondermint2]

North Port sting snares suspected unlicensed contractor

https://news.google.com/articles/CAI...S&ceid=US%3Aen

The city urges consumers to follow these tips before hiring anyone to work on their property:


- Only hire licensed contractors and ask to see their license. Verify the license at MyFloridaLicense.com – License efficiently. Regulate fairly. or call 850-487-1395. Licensed contractors are required by law to include their license number in all advertising. An occupational or business license is not sufficient in the construction trades.

- If the project is for repairing damage, check with your insurance company before you sign a contractor to verify that your insurance will cover the repairs.

- Obtain at least three written bids, check references, and get a written contract.

- Beware of contractors who claim to be the cheapest, solicit door-to-door, or give a post office box instead of a street address.

- Avoid any contractor who tries to convince you to personally obtain building permits or those building permits are not necessary for the project.

- Beware of alleged contractors who ask to be paid in cash or ask for large payments up front. Avoid paying cash or full payment in advance. Don’t pay more than 10 percent as a down payment.

- Once you’re happy with the quote, get job details, costs, and payment schedule in writing before signing the final contract.

- Avoid signing anything stating your insurance benefits will be paid directly to the contractor.

Aside from the inability to sue the contractor or receive recovery funds should there be a breach of contract, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation can stop construction and impose a $5,000 fine to the homeowner.

Additionally, homeowners may be liable to pay unpaid subcontractors and any potential on-the-job injuries. Unlicensed contractors do not have insurance coverage. Any injury that occurs on your property will be a claim against your insurance.

[wondermint2]

Hurricane fraud wave expected in Southwest Florida as insurance, assistance starts to arrive

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/...n/10638159002/

Gulf Coast homeowners are now potential targets for unscrupulous contractors, fraud artists and scammers looking to cash in on people desperate to get their lives back on track and the billions of dollars in insurance money and government aid flowing in to Florida.