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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is providing resources to protect and educate Florida businesses and consumers ahead of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1, 2025, and ends on November 30, 2025.
“DBPR is proud to provide free resources for Floridians as they prepare for the upcoming hurricane season,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “Bad actors often use disasters as an opportunity to take advantage of Floridians, and we are committed to equipping businesses and consumers with the tools they need to protect themselves. As we approach another active hurricane season, Florida business owners and consumers are encouraged to utilize these resources to be prepared ahead of potential storms.”
VERIFY A LICENSE
Unlicensed contractors often lack the required training, experience, and insurance which can expose homeowners and businesses to poor workmanship and potential financial loss. Florida homeowners and business owners in search of professionals to complete work on residential or commercial properties should always verify a professional’s license using DBPR’s License Verification Tool at MyFloridaLicense.com.
RECOGNIZE AND REPORT SCAMS
Florida homeowners and business owners should be aware of the following unlicensed activity warning signs:
· Offers with unusually low prices.
· Requests for large, upfront cash payments.
· Lack of written contract
· Refusal to pull permits or requests for the homeowner to personally pull permits for a project.
· The use of P.O. boxes rather than physical addresses.
· Unmarked vehicles with out-of-state plates.
Floridians are encouraged to report any suspicions of unlicensed contracting activity to DBPR through the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440, by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com, or through the DBPR Mobile App.
Industry partners can aid DBPR’s mission to combat unlicensed activity by using DBPR’s Unlicensed Activity Toolkit to educate their communities. The toolkit is available for download here.
DBPR’S DISASTER CONTRACTORS NETWORK
Established by DBPR, the Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) is a free resource connecting homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers for emergency repairs. Anyone seeking repair services can browse a directory of skilled professionals in their area. Register in five simple steps to access the directory for free here.
Florida-licensed contractors and suppliers can register with DCN here to be connected with homeowners in search of licensed services.
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