Storm Damage Creates the Perfect Storm for Scams
After a significant 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 take advantage of this chaotic window, offering quick fixes and false promises.
These fraudulent actors exploit the urgency of the situation and often leave homeowners with subpar repairs, insurance complications, or unaccounted deposits.
Common Storm Damage Scams in Florida
1. Storm Chaser Roofing Scams
After a hurricane or tropical storm, out-of-state contractors flood affected areas.
They:
- Knock on doors unannounced
- Demand large deposits (often 50% or more)
- Promise immediate repairs
- Perform shoddy work or vanish entirely
2. Phantom Public Adjusters
These individuals claim they can maximize your insurance payout by:
- Charging 10–20% of the settlement
- Offering to handle all paperwork
- Pressuring you to sign binding contracts
- Failing to deliver a better claim or deliverable
3. Shell Companies and Unlicensed Contractors
Signs include:
- No physical office address
- No proof of license or insurance
- High-pressure “sign today” tactics
- No written contract or only verbal agreements
4. Mold Remediation and FEMA Grant Scams
Scammers may pose as FEMA representatives or mold remediation experts, offering:
- “Free” mold inspections or FEMA grants
- Requests for personal information (SSNs, banking details)
- False reporting of mold to inflate invoices
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
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.
Why Florida Homeowners Are at Risk
- Urgent need for repairs after hurricanes/frontal storms
- Insurance delays create gaps that scammers exploit
- Emotional stress and confusion make homeowners less vigilant
- Lack of familiarity with the insurance claims process
These factors create a perfect storm for fraudsters who exploit urgency and fear.
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.