Rebuilding your home after a hurricane or flood is a big step — and choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. In the aftermath of a disaster, it’s common for out-of-town or unlicensed contractors to flood into affected areas, offering quick fixes and promising fast results. But without a solid contract and the right questions upfront, you could end up with incomplete work, hidden costs, or worse — a costly scam.
At Hurricane Help Florida, we want to help you protect your home, your finances, and your future. Below are the top questions every Florida homeowner should ask before signing a contractor agreement.
1. Are you licensed in the state of Florida?
Make sure the contractor holds a valid and active license with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can verify a license at www.myfloridalicense.com.
Tip: Ask for their license number and verify it before signing anything.
2. Are you properly insured?
Contractors should carry both:
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- General Liability Insurance to cover property damage or accidents
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- Workers’ Compensation Insurance to protect you from liability if someone is injured on the job
Ask to see a Certificate of Insurance and verify that it’s current.
3. Can you provide recent references?
Ask for 3–5 local references from past clients — especially homeowners who hired them for similar work after a storm. Call those references and ask:
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- Were you satisfied with the work?
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- Was the job completed on time and on budget?
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- Would you hire this contractor again?
4. What is included in the contract?
Your contractor agreement should include:
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- Detailed scope of work
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- Materials and brands to be used
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- Timeline and estimated completion date
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- Payment schedule
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- Warranty information
Never rely on verbal promises. Get everything in writing.
5. How do you handle change orders?
In construction, unexpected issues often arise. Ask:
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- How will changes be communicated?
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- Will I receive a written change order before the work begins?
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- How will it affect the total price and timeline?
Avoid surprises by agreeing upfront on how changes are approved and documented.
6. What is your payment schedule?
Avoid contractors who demand full payment upfront. A typical payment plan in Florida looks like:
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- 10% at signing
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- 30% at start of work
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- Progress payments as work is completed
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- Final payment only after final inspection
Never pay in full before the job is finished — and always get a receipt.
7. Will permits be pulled, and who is responsible?
In Florida, most structural, electrical, and roofing repairs require a permit. Your contractor should:
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- Pull the required permits
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- Schedule inspections
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- Display permit paperwork on-site
If they ask you to pull the permits, that’s a red flag. It may mean they’re unlicensed.
8. What happens if the timeline is delayed?
Hurricane season, material shortages, or weather can all delay construction. Ask:
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- What happens if work falls behind schedule?
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- Are there penalties or incentives for on-time completion?
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- How will delays be communicated?
Make sure your contract includes provisions for extensions, delays, or cancellations.
9. Do you guarantee your work?
A reputable contractor should offer a written warranty for both labor and materials. Get clarity on:
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- What is covered
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- How long the warranty lasts
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- Who to contact if issues arise
Keep a copy of your warranty in a safe place with your contract and receipts.
10. Can I see your contractor license, insurance certificate, and written estimate before we begin?
This may seem basic, but it’s often skipped. Before you sign anything:
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- Review all documents carefully
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- Make sure you understand each clause in the contract
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- Never sign a contract under pressure
Final Tips for Florida Homeowners
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- Verify licensing: www.myfloridalicense.com
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- Check complaints: www.bbb.org
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- Never pay cash
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- Keep a project folder with contracts, receipts, permits, and photos
Need Help?
Hurricane Help Florida can connect you with vetted contractors and provide assistance with rebuilding, appliances, and insurance navigation.
Contact Us
Hurricane Help Florida
Email: help@hurricanehelpflorida.org
Website: www.hurricanehelpflorida.org
Don’t let disaster lead to more disaster. Ask the right questions, protect your home, and rebuild the right way.