Manatee County Urges Caution in Rebuilding

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Oct. 16, 2024) – As Manatee County continues its recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, officials are once again urging residents to ensure repairs are done safely and correctly while avoiding scams.

Residents are reminded to take precautions when hiring professionals for repairs or replacements on their property. It is essential to verify the professional licenses of contractors to ensure the work is done properly. Unfortunately, unlicensed contractors often prey on those who may be uninformed, inexperienced, or elderly, offering quick fixes that can lead to significant long-term problems, including further property damage.

To protect yourself:

• Always ask for references.

• Verify the contractor’s license number through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

• Check for any complaints or issues related to the contractor.

For license verification, residents can call DBPR at 1-850-487-1395 or visit their website at www.myfloridalicense.com.

Residents living in Flood Zones should be aware of additional requirements during repairs or rebuilding. It is crucial to ensure contractors are knowledgeable about FEMA regulations to avoid non-compliance.

All storm-related repairs require permits, but Manatee County is waiving building permit fees for storm-related repairs through March 1, 2025.

For more information or assistance, residents are encouraged to contact local officials or visit the Manatee County website. Please continue to monitor the County's social media accounts for updates on Milton recovery. Official storm information from Manatee County is always updated at mymanatee.org/storm.