Storm Damage Creates the Perfect Storm for Scams
After a major storm, Florida communities are overwhelmed. Emergency services are stretched thin. Roofing companies and contractors are flooded with calls. Insurance adjusters may take weeks to inspect damage. Scam artists and unlicensed contractors move in during this chaotic window, offering quick fixes and false promises.
These fraudulent actors exploit the situation’s urgency and often leave homeowners with shoddy repairs, insurance complications, or vanished deposits.
Most Common Storm Damage Scams in Florida
1. Fake Roofing and Repair Contractors
Unlicensed or fly-by-night contractors are one of the most common post-storm scams. They often go door to door, claiming they can fix your roof immediately or work “with your insurance company.” They might even say FEMA approves them—they’re not.
Warning signs:
- No local license or proof of insurance
- Requests for cash up front or large deposits
- No physical business address or verifiable references
- Pressure to sign a contract immediately
2. Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Abuse
The Assignment of Benefits (AOB) scam involves a contractor asking you to sign over your insurance benefits so they can handle the repairs and deal with the insurer directly. While this sounds convenient, signing an AOB gives the contractor control of your claim.
In many AOB abuse cases:
- The contractor inflates the repair cost.
- The insurer disputes the charges.
- The homeowner gets caught in a legal battle or ends up with a denied claim
Florida lawmakers have passed restrictions on AOBs, but unscrupulous companies still exploit them.
3. Insurance Adjuster Impersonators
Some scammers pose as insurance adjusters, wearing official-looking badges or shirts, and offer to “expedite your claim.” They may:
- Ask for personal information (SSN, policy number)
- Request a payment to “process” your claim.
- Take photos of your home for criminal purposes.
Insurance companies never ask for payments to process a claim. Always verify the identity of anyone who claims to represent your insurer.
4. FEMA and Government Relief Scams
Following major disasters, scammers pose as FEMA agents, promising assistance in exchange for application fees or personal information. Real FEMA agents never request money and always carry official ID.
Financial and Legal Consequences of Falling Victim
Falling for a storm repair scam can have long-term financial consequences:
- Out-of-pocket losses from fake deposits or stolen money
- Uninsurable repairs if an unlicensed contractor did work
- Voided policies due to unauthorized AOB agreements
- Lawsuits if the contractor sues your insurer in your name
Worse, if faulty repairs go unnoticed, they can lead to future water intrusion, mold, or structural failure, which will cost thousands more to fix later.
How to Protect Yourself from Storm-Related Scams
Verify Every Contractor
- Ask for a Florida license number and check it on MyFloridaLicense.com
- Request proof of general liability and workers’ comp insurance
- Get multiple written estimates
- Never pay more than 10% or $1,000 down (whichever is less) before work begins, per Florida law
Avoid Signing Documents Without Legal Review
Don’t sign an AOB or repair contract until it’s reviewed by:
- An insurance attorney
- Your insurance adjuster
- A licensed public adjuster
Report Suspected Scams
If you suspect fraud or illegal contracting, report it to:
- Florida Department of Financial Services
- Attorney General’s Office
- Local law enforcement
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Also, notify your insurer if someone attempts to interfere with your claim.
How Williams Law, P.A. Insurance Claim Lawyers Can Help You Recover
The aftermath of a storm is stressful enough without the added pressure of dealing with potential scams. Our Florida insurance claim lawyers will guide you through the claims process, ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to from your insurance company. We can also help you identify legitimate contractors, public adjusters, and other professionals to assist with your repairs and recovery.
If you’ve been affected by a storm in Florida and are dealing with insurance issues, don’t hesitate to contact our firm. We can help protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and ensure unscrupulous individuals or companies do not exploit you. Contact Williams Law, P.A. today with questions or if you need help with storm damage at 1-800-451-6786 or fill out our online contact form.