Hurricane Information

Disaster Contractors Network facilitates connections between Florida property owners and building professionals, ensuring effortless access to storm-related goods and services. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, DCN acts as the ultimate intermediary between homeowners, contractors, suppliers, associations, and vital information. Please find a comprehensive directory of skilled contractors specializing in various services such as air conditioning, plumbing, roofing, and flooring.

City of Tampa Hurricanes Helene and Milton Permit and Construction Memorandum: Mayor’s Emergency Management Powers

Waiver of Certain Permit Application and Inspection Fees & Certain Provision in Floodplain Management Ordinance

FEMA's 50% Rule¶

Before you perform repairs to your flood-damaged home, please note that if your property is located in a flood hazard area (Flood Zone AE, Coastal A, and VE)*, you may be required (by FEMA and State of Florida requirements incorporated and applied by the City of Tampa) to rebuild to Florida Building Code flood-resistant construction standards. This determination/requirement is based on whether the required improvements/repairs are deemed a “substantial improvement” or “repairs of substantial damage,” which generally means that the improvements/repairs exceed 50% of the structure’s depreciated value pre-flood damage as listed on the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s listing for your property.

View Hillsborough County 50% Improvement Calculator

For answers to questions about whether your improvements/repairs are “substantial”, please contact the City’s Construction Services Division at: 813-274-3100, Option 1.

To learn more about your property’s location and relevant flood information please visit https://tampafl.withforerunner.com/properties

PLEASE NOTE: You should also contact your insurance carrier(s) and mortgage lender before making improvements/repairs, as they may have other applicable requirements.

Beware of Contractor Scams¶

After a disaster, qualified contractors are usually in high demand. Scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers may take advantage of Floridians in need of expert service.

If you have been approached to have work done on or at your home, you can check if that individual is licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or by going to myfloridalicense.com.

If property is damaged from the storm, the Florida Attorney General’s Office offers these tips when hiring a contractor:

• Insurance evaluation - Ensure repair work will be covered under your insurance policy. Have an insurance company evaluate damage before arranging repairs.
• Estimates – Obtain at least three written, itemized estimates on bids or repairs
• Bogus offers - Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming to perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job
• Do your research – To check on a company’s reputation, look for references online or ask a friend. Also check to see if a company is properly licensed, insured, and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation or by calling the Florida Attorney General’s Office at (866) 9NO-SCAM.
• Bonded - Make sure a contractor is bonded and verified with a bonding agency
  Read the fine print – Although it may be daunting, read the entire contract before signing to ensure it includes the required buyer’s right to cancel language. Understand penalties that may be imposed for cancellation.
• Liens - Insist on releases of any liens that could be placed on the property from all subcontractors prior to making final payments. Homeowners may unknowingly have liens placed against their properties by suppliers or subcontractors who have not been paid by the contractor. If the contractor fails to pay them, the liens will remain on the title.
• Deposits and final payment - Never pay the full amount of a repair expense upfront and be wary before providing large deposits. Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until satisfied with the work performed.

Safety Tips for After a Flood¶

• Return home only when officials have declared the area safe. Use caution before entering your home: look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks and other damage.
• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water. Report them to the power company.
• If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
• Cleaning products, paint, batteries and fuel containers have the potential to be hazardous. Please check with local authorities for assistance with disposal.
• Keep an eye out for animals such as snakes, possums and raccoons that may have moved into your evacuated home, as they often look for relief from floodwaters.
• If you drive an electric vehicle and there are floodwaters around your home, do not drive through it. If water gets into the battery, it could potentially cause a fire.

Dealing with Damage in your home

• As soon as it's safe to return home, contact your insurance agent or company to file a claim. Photograph and list all damaged items including their age and value.
• Insurance adjusters will need evidence of damage to prepare an estimate, so take photos of water in your house, including structural, personal property and floodwater levels. You can also record serial numbers of large appliances and collect receipts for damaged items.

Prepare a Proof of Loss

• Your insurance adjuster will help you prepare a Proof of Loss, which is a sworn statement of the amount you're claiming. You'll need to file this with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood.
• You can take measures to mitigate further damage, such as tarping, but don't repair damage before your adjuster visits.