Updated November 4, 2026
Slow down, even when you're stressed
After water damage or a storm, door-knockers and unsolicited calls are common. The Florida DBPR warns that fraudsters are active after storms and says to reject unsolicited offers to do work on your home. Hiring can begin once you can safely assess what needs repairing.
Verify the license
DBPR says to check any contractor's license at MyFloridaLicense.com or the DBPR mobile app, and to ask for license information before agreeing to anything. Which license applies depends on the work: structural repair and roofing are contractor work, and mold assessment or remediation falls under separate individual mold licenses. Report suspected unlicensed activity to DBPR at 866-532-1440. DBPR's Disaster Contractors Network (DCNOnline.org) also lets you search Florida-licensed contractors by county.
Confirm insurance
Florida's Department of Financial Services recommends confirming general liability, property damage and workers' compensation coverage (unless exempt), and asking for proof before you sign. DBPR adds that without contractor insurance you could be liable for injuries on your property or poor workmanship.
Get itemized, written estimates
The Department of Financial Services says contractors must provide a good-faith estimate with the contract, and that for insurance-related repairs it must itemize services and materials. It suggests getting at least three estimates and references. Insurers use itemized invoices to verify cost and coverage, so a company that refuses to itemize is a red flag.
Ask each company: What is your drying plan and how will you measure progress? Which permits will you pull? Who does the work, employees or subcontractors? Will you work with my insurer's adjuster? Ask whether the company follows IICRC standards for water damage restoration, and ask them to explain what that means for your job.
Never agree to waive or rebate your deductible
The Department of Financial Services states that contractors cannot waive your deductible, offer it as a rebate, or provide free services to cover it, and that knowingly doing so is insurance fraud. A contractor who offers to claim damage that doesn't exist to wipe out your deductible is another red flag. Report suspected fraud at FraudFreeFlorida.com.
Assignment of benefits: what changed
An assignment of benefits (AOB) used to let a contractor step into your shoes and collect directly from your insurer. Under section 627.7152, Florida Statutes, for residential and commercial property policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, a policyholder may not assign post-loss benefits, and an attempt to do so is void, invalid and unenforceable. Policies issued before that date have different rules, so check your policy's issue date.
Contractors also cannot submit a claim directly to your insurer on your behalf, and cannot interpret your policy or advise on coverage unless they are licensed public adjusters, according to the Department of Financial Services.
Other red flags
- Pressure to sign today or to hand over a large deposit before any work starts.
- A request that you block your insurer from inspecting repairs.
- No written contract, no license number, or no permits where permits are required.
- Offers of gifts, cash or discounts in exchange for an inspection.
DBPR also notes that unpermitted work can make a home hard to sell. Deposit rules vary by contract type, so ask about them and compare quotes before paying.
Using this site
Our free form passes your request to TheBayPros, and a local pro may follow up. We do not rank or endorse specific companies, and you are not obligated to hire anyone. Do your own vetting using the steps above.
A short vetting checklist
- Look up the license on MyFloridaLicense.com.
- Ask for proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance.
- Collect at least three written, itemized estimates.
- Read the whole contract, including who pulls permits.
- Confirm what your insurer will pay before work begins, and keep photos of before, during and after.
Keep your own records
Save the signed contract, scope of work, estimates, change orders, permit numbers, payment receipts and dated photos from before, during and after the job. These help if your insurer asks questions, if the work needs to be corrected later, or when you sell the home. Ask for a final invoice that itemizes labor and materials, and for any warranty in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay a large deposit up front?
Be cautious. DBPR warns about deposits for work that is never done or is done poorly. Ask what the deposit covers, get the terms in writing, and compare quotes first.
Can a restoration company sign my claim for me?
For policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, assignment of benefits is not permitted in Florida, and contractors cannot submit claims for you.
How many estimates should I get?
The Department of Financial Services suggests at least three.
Where do I report an unlicensed contractor?
DBPR at 866-532-1440 or MyFloridaLicense.com.