Unlicensed Workers During the Aftermath of a Storm

During the aftermath of a storm, unlicensed construction activity can occur. This occurs when a person not licensed or registered by the state performs or offers a job or service requiring licensure or registration. During a declared State of Emergency, the penalty for unlicensed construction activity is a third-degree felony.

Unlicensed contractors take advantage of homeowners. Some may travel from out of state to exploit Floridians living in a disaster area. It’s important to know that even if the contractor is licensed in a different state, they must attain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to perform repairs in Florida. Here are steps to avoid becoming a victim of unlicensed activity after a storm:

    • Understand which repair services require a State Contractors license.
    • Always verify a contractor’s license before signing a contract. Call DBPR customer service at 850-457-1395.
    • Report any unlicensed activity by calling 866-532-1440. 
    • Avoid workers who say they “happen to be in the area”.
    • Ask for multiple opinions and written estimates.
    • Avoid contractors who ask you to make your check payable to an individual instead of a company name. Do not pay in cash.
    • Avoid contractors if they demand that you pay them in full before they make any repairs.
    • Avoid contractors if they won’t provide references for similar jobs in your area.

Owning and maintaining a home or business is one of the most significant investments you will make. Make sure you hire a contractor like SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City or any of the trusted professionals in the CARG Group who can clean, restore, and reconstruct your property.

Dealing With The Aftermath of A Hurricane

Hiring a licensed, professional company is crucial, especially in the aftermath of a disaster like a hurricane. Unfortunately, natural disasters often attract opportunists and scam artists looking to take advantage of vulnerable individuals and businesses. Here’s why it’s essential to choose a reputable company like CARG member SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City:

Licensed Certified Building Contractors: They are uniquely able to provide comprehensive, efficient services from water restoration to rebuilds, restoring your property to its pre-disaster condition with minimal hassle and maximum convenience.

Expertise and Training: Look for technicians who have undergone extensive training and certification in disaster cleanup and restoration. This means they have the knowledge and skills to handle any situation safely and effectively. From water extraction to mold remediation, our team knows how to tackle the challenges of post-hurricane cleanup.

Proper Equipment and Techniques: Professional and qualified companies invest in state-of-the-art equipment and utilize industry-best practices for cleanup and restoration. This ensures that the job is done efficiently and thoroughly, minimizing further damage to your property.

Compliance with Regulations: Professional and qualified companies must adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations regarding disaster cleanup and restoration. This includes proper disposal of biohazardous materials and compliance with building codes during reconstruction. Hiring a reputable company ensures that your project is completed legally and ethically.

Insurance Coverage: Reputable companies carry liability insurance to protect both themselves and their clients in the event of accidents or damages during the cleanup and restoration process. This provides peace of mind knowing that you’re not financially responsible for any unexpected incidents that may occur on your property.

Trust and Reputation: Established companies have built a reputation for excellence in their communities through years of reliable service and customer satisfaction. You can trust that they will prioritize your needs and treat your property with respect and professionalism.

Hiring a licensed, professional company like SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City is essential for ensuring that your property is properly cleaned up and restored after a hurricane. Don’t fall victim to scam artists; choose a reputable company with the expertise and integrity to get the job done right. To contact ServoPro of East Davie/Cooper City call 954-507-7930 or visit them online.

Community Association Hurricane Playbook

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Is your association ready for hurricane season? Prepare your best offense and get ready to align your defense!  The panel discussion above covered these and other areas:

  • Landscaping and property prep and clean-up
  • Insurances and credits | Do you have everything you need?
  • Claims and the claims process -Disaster recovery and potential after-effects
  • Having a plan in place for your association/facility
  • Prepping your pools and pool decks

Panelists: Adam Greenstein (ServPro),  Katherine Zaensi (Prime Claims), Lia Hartwig (Avaclear Pools) and Charles Infantino (GRC Landscaping).

Click HERE to view and download the new Hurricane Guide that was referenced by Adam Greenstein, during the discussion.