Price gouging & scams
Report price gouging, unlicensed contractors, and fraud.
Text 11 to (850) 898-1741 to get this list on your phone.
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Price gouging hotline (Florida Attorney General)
Report big price jumps on water, food, ice, gas, lodging, lumber, or repairs during the state of emergency.
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Report unlicensed contractors (DBPR)
Unlicensed contracting is a felony during a state of emergency. Check a license at MyFloridaLicense.com or 850-487-1395 before you hire, and never pay in full up front.
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City of Destin Community Development Office
Assistance verifying contractor licenses for storm repairs; licenses can also be verified at www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
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FEMA disaster fraud hotline
FEMA never charges for help. Report anyone who asks for money or personal information to get disaster aid. Email StopFEMAfraud@fema.dhs.gov.
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Mary Esther: verify a contractor is registered
Contractors doing permitted work in Mary Esther must be registered with the city. Search by business name on the city site, or call City Hall and choose Customer Service. Never pay in full up front, and let the contractor pull the permit.
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Santa Rosa: check a contractor before you hire
All contractors must be registered with Santa Rosa County Building Inspections, even with a state license. Call to check a county license or registration. Get a written contract, do not pay large amounts up front, and make sure the contractor pulls the permit.
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Insurance fraud hotline (Florida DFS)
Report insurance fraud, like fake adjusters or claim scams.
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Consumer complaints: 1-800-HELP-FLA (FDACS)
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services line for consumer complaints, such as moving companies, gas pumps, and checking a charity. Spanish: 1-800-352-9832.
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
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Report lawyers who solicit you after the storm
Lawyers may not call or show up uninvited to sign you up after a disaster, or write to you within 30 days unless you asked. Report it to The Florida Bar.