After every Florida hurricane, out-of-town “storm chasers” flood damaged neighborhoods — and homeowners lose deposits, sign away claim rights, or get roofs that fail the next inspection. Here’s how Treasure Coast homeowners spot the scams, from Leeward Roofing, a licensed local contractor (CCC1337211) based in Sebastian since day one.
The Red Flags, In Order of Frequency
- Door-knockers who “found damage” you can’t see photos of — legitimate contractors document everything.
- Offers to waive or “eat” your deductible — that’s insurance fraud in Florida, and it’s the homeowner who signs the claim.
- Pressure to sign an assignment of benefits (AOB) on the spot, handing control of your claim to the contractor.
- Big cash deposits before any permit is pulled — then the truck never comes back.
- No verifiable Florida license — every legitimate roofer has a CCC number you can check in seconds.
Your 60-Second Contractor Check
- Look up the license at myfloridalicense.com (ours: CCC1337211).
- Confirm liability insurance and workers’ comp certificates.
- Search the company name plus “reviews” — a real local roofer has years of local history.
- Get the scope and price in writing, tied to a permit, before any money moves.
Storm Scam FAQs
Is signing an AOB always bad?
Not always — but never sign one at the door under pressure. Florida law gives you cancellation rights, and you can pursue your claim without assigning it. Read anything twice; better, have your insurer or attorney look first.
What if I already paid a deposit and they vanished?
Report it to the Florida DBPR and your county’s consumer protection office, and notify your insurer in writing. Then get a legitimate local contractor to document current conditions before more weather moves in.
Storm damage and not sure who to trust? Start with the Hurricane Command Center, our insurance claim help, or call 772-589-2400.