As forecasters predict a potentially fierce 2025 hurricane season, the Better Business Bureau serving Florida is issuing a stark warning to residents: prepare now. Emphasizing that proactivity is the best defense, the BBB is urging Floridians to take immediate steps to safeguard their families, homes, and financial well-being.
To aid in these preparations, the BBB has launched its comprehensive 2025 Florida Hurricane Guide.
This free resource is tailored for consumers, businesses, and non-profit organizations, offering crucial advice on disaster preparedness, effective recovery and repair strategies, recognizing and avoiding prevalent storm chaser scams, accessing reliable government resources, and making informed decisions when donating to disaster relief efforts.
READ: NOAA And CSU Forecast Above-Normal 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Urge Preparedness
“Every year, we witness a surge of unlicensed contractors into disaster-stricken areas, seeking to exploit the uncertainty and desperation of those affected,” stated Karen Nalven, President/CEO of BBB Serving West Florida. “The best protection is preparation—start with trust and only hire licensed, reputable professionals.”
The BBB highlights five critical steps for hurricane season readiness:
- Create an Emergency Plan: Designate a safe storage location for vehicles, identify clear evacuation routes, establish a family meeting point, and compile a list of important emergency contacts.
- Stock Up on Supplies: Ensure a minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food, water, necessary medications, and essential items such as flashlights and a weather radio.
- Secure Your Home: Reinforce windows, doors, and roofing. Bring outdoor furniture, decorations, and other unsecured items indoors or secure them properly.
- Stay Informed: Register for local emergency alerts and consistently monitor official weather updates from trusted sources.
- Pre-Select Licensed Contractors: Before a storm hits, research and save the contact information of reputable, licensed professionals for potential repair needs.
In the aftermath of a storm, the BBB strongly advises that only licensed professionals should undertake repair work. Engaging unlicensed individuals can lead to substandard workmanship, significant financial loss, and potential legal complications.
READ: Powering Through Peril In Florida: Essential Generator Safety As Hurricane Season Looms
To steer clear of post-storm scams, Floridians should heed the following advice:
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Exercise caution with door-to-door sales pitches and unprompted offers for repair work.
- Don’t Fall for “Too Good to Be True” Deals: If an offer seems suspiciously cheap or promises unrealistic timelines, it likely is.
- Always Verify Credentials: Insist on seeing proof of current licensing and insurance before hiring anyone.
- Start Your Search with Trusted Sources: Begin your contractor search with BBB Accredited Businesses at BBB.org.
Residents can verify businesses and professional licenses through these official channels:
- BBB.org: Provides trusted profiles and business ratings. Contact them at (727) 535-5522.
- MyFloridaLicense.com: The official portal for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Call (850) 487-1395 or utilize the free DBPR mobile app.
Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30. The BBB’s message is clear: don’t wait until a storm is imminent. Prepare today to protect what matters most.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
