Attention Redington Shores Residents:
- PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES WILL NEVER ASK TO ENTER YOUR HOME.
- FEMA REPRESENATIVES ARE OUT IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS TAKING EXTERIOR PHOTOS. THEY, ALSO, WILL NOT ENTER YOUR HOME WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT.
- WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK TO SEE IDENTIFICATION.
- CALL TOWN HALL TO CONFIRM PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE IDENTITY AT 727-397-5538.
- ALL OTHER CONCERNS, CALL THE POLICE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER AT 727-582-6200
Many areas in the county have incurred severe property damage because of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Pinellas County Consumer Protection wants to remind residents to be cautious when hiring someone to make repairs. Avoid becoming a victim of a home improvement scam by recognizing the warning signs:
- Watch out for “fly-by-night” contractors who take deposits and do little or no work. Avoid dealing with anyone soliciting work door-to-door; take the opportunity to check them out first.
- Be wary of contractors who ask for advance payment in full. Pay upon completion or as the work progresses.
- A building permit is required for reconstructive repairs. Beware of any contractor who tells you that extensive or structural repairs do not require a permit. The contractor should pull the required building permits, not the homeowner.
Keep the following tips in mind to ensure that your repairs are completed satisfactorily:
- Deal only with licensed and insured contractors. Obtain their name, license number and proof of general liability and workers’ comp insurance.
- In a state of emergency as we have now, verify the license status of state-certified contractors online at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/. A list of PCCLB-licensed, qualified and insured contractors can be found online using the Contractor Search (https://contractorsearch.pcclb.com/) feature.
- Be sure that you have a written contract that details the work to be completed. Also, retain proof of payment for the work in case you need it later.
- Require the contractor to supply a final affidavit indicating that all subcontractors and suppliers used on the job are paid in full.
- Ensure that the contractor has had the work inspected by the building department before you make final payment.
- Contractor must provide proof that the building permit has cleared final inspection and signed off by the Building Official.