(BBB Serving West Florida)
With the start of the hurricane season fast approaching, Better Business Bureau of West Florida (BBB) and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) warn Floridians to prepare for potential storms. The best way to protect yourself and your property during Florida’s hurricane season is to know as much as possible about hurricanes and how to prepare for them. BBB and DBPR continue to team up and provide Floridians with many resources to help consumers both before a storm and after through a comprehensive Hurricane Guide.
With hurricane season fast approaching, Floridians must take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their homes from the potentially devastating effects of these storms. BBB and DBPR encourage Florida business owners and residents to create a plan that outlines what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.
In a natural disaster, Floridians are reminded that a licensed professional should complete any repair work performed on a home or business. Unlicensed contractors often travel from out of state to a disaster area, attempting to take advantage of uninformed consumers. The best way to prepare is to be proactive in selecting a properly licensed contractor and to use good judgment with sales calls, door-to-door pitches or low prices that appear too good to be true.
“The State of Florida is committed to working with local and federal partners to help residents and businesses recover after a disaster, following preparedness that starts at home and within businesses,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “I urge residents and businesses to make preparedness plans now before a storm threatens your community, and this includes knowing how to spot unlicensed activity scams to protect your family and business finances. Don’t fall for deals that are too good to be true—always verify state licenses and report suspicious activity when it comes to mitigation and recovery contracting projects.”
Access the BBB Florida Hurricane Guide.
Access DBPR’s new Hurricane Guide.
BBB and DBPR recommend the following steps to prepare for hurricane season:
- Create an emergency plan: Develop a plan that includes evacuation routes, a designated meeting place, and contact information for family members and emergency services.
- Stock up on necessary supplies: Gather enough food, water, and other supplies to last at least three days in case of a power outage or other emergency.
- Secure your home: Ensure that your home is fortified against high winds and heavy rain by adding or upgrading any necessary opening protections, roof-to-wall connections, roof covering, and securing loose items around your yard.
- Stay informed: Monitor weather reports and stay tuned to local news and emergency alerts for the latest information on potential storms.
Take action now to strengthen your home against hurricane winds by finding local, licensed, reputable contractors. Start with trust and look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal. For reliable information, lists of BBB-accredited businesses by industry, and Florida business profiles you can trust, visit BBB.org. Always verify a contractor’s license by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com (click “Verify a License” in the middle of the home page), calling (850) 487-1395, or by downloading the free DBPR Mobile app.
About BBB
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles and BBB Wise Giving Reports®, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. Five BBB offices service the State of Florida, with primary locations in Clearwater, Jacksonville, Longwood, Pensacola, and West Palm Beach/Miami.
About DBPR
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com. Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter and Facebook, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.