Why storms draw scammers
After a hurricane, the need for roofers spikes overnight. Insurers move slow. Homeowners are stressed. That mix draws crooks who take deposits and vanish, do bad work, or puff up claims for a cut. Florida hits unlicensed work hard during a declared emergency.
Red flag: they knocked on your door
Real Florida pros are booked solid after a storm. They do not walk blocks hunting jobs. A stranger at your door with a "free check" who pushes you to sign today is waving the biggest red flag there is. Send them off.
Red flag: no Florida license you can check
Florida licenses roofers, builders, plumbers, and electricians. Look the firm up yourself at myfloridalicense.com. Do not trust a number on a flyer. Make sure the license is live, fits the job, and names that firm. No license, no hire.
Red flag: big cash up front
Never pay a big sum in cash. Never pay the whole job before it starts. Fair deals tie pay to done work, in a written pact. "Pay all now so we can buy goods" tells you where your money will go.
Red flag: "sign this and we handle your claim"
Some ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits form. It hands them your claim. Others want a cut to "deal with the insurer." Florida law (Statute 489.147) bans referral fees from insurance money. File your own claim with the claim guide. Keep hold of it.
Red flag: no paper, no local base
Get it all in writing: the work, the goods, the full price, the pay plan, the dates. A crew with just a PO box, out-of-state plates, and a burner phone will be gone when the work fails. Ask for proof of cover too. Real pros carry liability and workers' comp.
Safe hiring list
Check the license at myfloridalicense.com. Get three written quotes. Check their cover. Never pay all up front. Get a full written pact. Never sign an AOB blind. Pay by check or card, not cash. And trust the clock: after a big storm, a crew that can "start tomorrow" is free for a reason.