The need for repairs following the impact of tornado damage in Escambia County on February 15 and February 23 can make consumers vulnerable to unscrupulous contractors and repairmen who may exploit the situation. Storm damage provides an opportunity for a variety of home or business repair scams. In response to recent tornado damage to property Donald R. Mayo, Escambia County Building Services Director, cautions the public to be wary of unlicensed contractors and home repair scam artists after the storm.
“Homeowners trying to make repairs can be very vulnerable to con artists after a severe storm,” warns Mayo. “Homeowners should be cautious and demand to inspect licenses and other vital documentation to confirm that workers are following state requirements and regulations. Also, insist on a detailed written contract and never pay more than 10 percent down on a project or $1,000, whichever is less, paying the balance after all work is complete and inspected.”
Florida law requires a contractor’s license – not just a local business or occupational license – and workers’ compensation insurance. The state sets specific rules and guidelines for professional licensing, standards that protect Floridians form personal harm or financial loss. The liability for injuries to uninsured contractors could be devastating. Door-to-door repair operators and out-of-state contractors may seem attractive because they usually do not have a long waiting list, but they are perpetrating a fraud. Those laws also protect licensed professionals from unfair competition with cut-rate unlicensed individuals.
The concept that an unlicensed handyman will bring the same quality of work that a top-notch professional provides at a lower cost often backfires on homeowners, leading to unnecessary expenses to repair shoddy work. Also, homeowners may discover they can’t close on a sale with home improvement work that has not received the proper permits and inspections.
Contractors can easily be checked out by contacting the Building Inspections Department by email at [email protected] or calling (850) 595-3509. Also, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) can verify licenses at www.myfloridalicense.com or by calling (850) 487-1395.
Escambia County residents should report suspected unlicensed or unpermitted work by emailing [email protected] or by calling (850) 595-3509.
