Price gouging & scams
Report price gouging, unlicensed contractors, and fraud.
Text 11 to (850) 898-1741 to get this list on your phone.
-
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.
-
Price gouging hotline (Florida Attorney General)
Report big price jumps on water, food, ice, gas, lodging, lumber, or repairs during the state of emergency.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Insurance fraud hotline (Florida DFS)
Report insurance fraud, like fake adjusters or claim scams.
-
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
-
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.