DBPR takes action to equip Florida residents and business owners with vital tools ahead of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season

Tallahassee, Florida – As the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season approaches, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is stepping up efforts to provide resources that will help protect both businesses and consumers across the state. With the season beginning on June 1 and running through November 30, the DBPR is making sure Floridians are equipped with the tools they need to protect themselves from potential storm-related damage and fraudulent activity.

“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.”

One of the key initiatives from DBPR is its push to ensure Floridians understand the importance of hiring licensed professionals for storm-related repairs. Unlicensed contractors can put homeowners and businesses at serious risk, with poor workmanship and potential financial loss. DBPR is encouraging consumers to use its License Verification Tool at MyFloridaLicense.com to confirm that contractors are properly licensed before any work is done on their properties. This online tool can help ensure that those hired to do repairs are qualified and properly insured, offering an added layer of security for anyone needing repairs in the aftermath of a storm.

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In addition to verifying licenses, DBPR is also warning Floridians about potential scams. Unfortunately, disaster situations often attract unlicensed individuals who attempt to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners and businesses. DBPR highlights a few key warning signs that could indicate unlicensed activity:

• Offers with unusually low prices
• Requests for large, upfront cash payments
• Lack of written contracts
• Refusal to pull permits or asking homeowners to do so
• The use of P.O. boxes instead of physical addresses
• Unmarked vehicles with out-of-state license plates

Any suspicions of unlicensed contracting activity should be reported immediately to DBPR. Consumers can do this by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440, visiting MyFloridaLicense.com, or using the DBPR Mobile App. By staying vigilant and reporting potential scams, Floridians can help protect themselves and their communities.

For businesses and homeowners looking for reliable professionals, DBPR also offers the Disaster Contractors Network (DCN), a free resource designed to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers for emergency repairs. The DCN provides a directory of skilled professionals in various areas across the state, making it easier for individuals to find help when they need it most. Homeowners seeking repair services can register for free and access the directory to find licensed contractors who can assist in storm damage restoration.

Contractors and suppliers who are licensed in Florida are also encouraged to register with the DCN. By doing so, they can be listed in the directory, giving them an opportunity to help homeowners in need of emergency repairs. This collaboration between the DBPR, licensed contractors, and homeowners ensures that the recovery process after a storm is more efficient, safe, and effective.

In addition to these resources, DBPR continues to work alongside industry partners to combat unlicensed activity and educate the public. To help in this effort, DBPR has developed an Unlicensed Activity Toolkit, which can be downloaded by industry partners and used to inform their communities about the importance of hiring licensed professionals and recognizing scams. This toolkit is a vital resource for ensuring that Floridians are aware of the potential risks and how to avoid them during hurricane season.

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The DBPR’s focus on preparedness and protection is especially crucial as Florida braces for another active hurricane season. With more and more storms threatening the state each year, having access to reliable contractors and avoiding scams is more important than ever. By using the available resources, verifying licenses, and staying alert to potential fraud, Florida residents can better protect themselves, their homes, and their businesses as they navigate the challenges of hurricane season.

As we approach June 1 and the start of the 2025 hurricane season, it’s clear that DBPR is making a concerted effort to equip Floridians with the necessary tools to face these challenges head-on. The department’s initiatives are vital for maintaining the safety and well-being of both individuals and businesses as they recover from the inevitable storms that will impact the state. Whether it’s finding a trusted contractor through the Disaster Contractors Network or reporting suspicious activity to the Unlicensed Activity Hotline, Floridians have the support they need to weather the storm with confidence.