Construction Fraud Is More Common Than You Think
Florida consistently ranks among the top states for construction fraud complaints. Between the constant demand for building and renovation work, the hurricane season repair rush, and the sheer number of people moving here every year, scammers have no shortage of targets. But you don't have to be one of them. Knowing the most common scams and how to protect yourself goes a long way.
The Most Common Scams in Florida
The Storm Chaser
After every hurricane or major storm, unlicensed "contractors" flood into Florida neighborhoods offering to fix roofs, siding, and water damage. They knock on your door, point out damage you may or may not actually have, and offer a great deal if you sign right now. They take your deposit and either do terrible work or disappear entirely.
Storm chasers are not local. They have no reputation to protect and no intention of coming back to fix problems.
The Low-Ball Bid
This one is sneaky. A contractor comes in dramatically lower than everyone else on your bid. You think you found a deal. Then once the project starts, the change orders start rolling in. "We didn't include that in the original price." "That's going to be extra." By the time the project is done, you have paid more than the highest original bid, and the quality is usually questionable.
The Vanishing Contractor
You pay a large deposit. The contractor shows up for a day or two, maybe does some demolition or drops off some materials. Then they stop showing up. Your calls go to voicemail. Their "office" number is disconnected. Your money is gone and your project is half-demolished.
The Permit Skipper
"We don't need permits for this." "Permits just slow things down and cost extra." "The county won't even notice." These are all things a contractor says right before they do work that fails to meet code, can't be insured, and creates a nightmare when you try to sell your home. Unpermitted work is a serious legal and financial problem in Florida.
How to Protect Yourself
Verify Everything
- Check their license at myfloridalicense.com
- Call their insurance company to confirm coverage is current
- Look them up on the Better Business Bureau and Google Reviews
- Search for complaints through the Florida DBPR and your local county consumer protection office
Get Everything in Writing
A proper contract should include the full scope of work, total price, payment schedule, start and completion dates, warranty terms, and permit responsibilities. If it is not in the contract, it does not exist. Read our guide on choosing the right contractor for more details on what a good contract looks like.
Use a Draw Schedule
Never pay large sums upfront. Tie payments to completed work milestones. A typical draw schedule breaks payments into phases like foundation, framing, rough-ins, and finishes. You inspect the work before releasing each payment.
Understand Florida's Construction Lien Law
In Florida, subcontractors and material suppliers can place a lien on your property if they don't get paid, even if you already paid the general contractor. To protect yourself, request lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers as payments are made. This confirms they have been paid and waive their right to lien your property.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed
- Document everything. Photos, texts, emails, contracts, receipts, and any other communications.
- File a complaint with the DBPR if the contractor is licensed. The state can take disciplinary action including revoking their license.
- File a complaint with your local State Attorney's office. Construction fraud is a criminal offense in Florida.
- Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for additional consumer protection resources.
- Talk to a construction attorney. If the dollar amount is significant, legal action may be your best path to recovery.
The Bottom Line
The best defense against construction scams is doing your homework before you hire anyone. Verify their license, confirm their insurance, check their references, get a detailed written contract, and never pay more upfront than Florida law allows. If something feels off, trust your gut and walk away. There are plenty of honest, hardworking contractors in Central Florida.
J&N StructureWorks is a licensed and insured Florida Certified Building Contractor. We welcome any questions about our credentials and are happy to provide references from past clients across Orlando, Clermont, and the surrounding areas.