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OUR BUSINESSES & PROFESSIONS
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS AND
RESPONSE GUIDE
PRE-EVENT PREPAREDNESS FOR BUSINESSES & PROFESSIONALS
Natural disasters can affect businesses and professionals in many of the same ways that families
and homes are affected. It’s important for businesses and professionals to prepare for storms
and other natural disasters in advance so people can get back to work as quickly as possible in
the wake of a storm or other event.
Create a Business Disaster Plan: http://www.floridadisaster.org/business/
Preparation Tips
Retrieve important records, including license copies, and store them in a watertight container in a safe
place.
Identify essential staff for post-storm recovery and have predetermined locations to meet when
conditions permit.
Prepare a photo or video inventory of assets and store it in a safe location.
Assume there will be no phone communications or banking options following a storm and make
preparations in advance.
Ensure that your insurance policy payment is up-to-date.
Maintain detailed expenses for disaster recovery for possible reimbursements.
POST-EVENT GUIDE
After a storm or a natural disaster, remember that work performed on your home or business
should be completed by a licensed professional. State licenses offer reassurance that the person
meets the standard requirements outlined in Florida law for working in a specific field.
Important Definitions
Unlicensed Activity: Unlicensed activity occurs when a person who is not licensed by the state
performs or offers to perform a job or service that requires licensure in one of the professions
regulated by the Division of Regulation, Division of Real Estate and Division of Certified
Public Accounting. Unlicensed activity in these professions is a criminal offense and is referred
to the local State Attorney.
Unlicensed Activity during a State of Emergency: Any person who engages in unlicensed
construction activity as defined in Ch. 489, F.S., during a state of emergency declared by
executive order of the Governor commits a felony of the third-degree. F.S. 489.127.2(c)
Consumer Protection Tips
Always ask to see the State of Florida license.
Note the license number and verify that the license is current and in good standing. To check a license,
call 850-487-1395 or visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
Do not pay cash and be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing
with a company.
Get everything in writing, including a detailed description of the work to be completed, a completion date
and the total cost.
Be wary of individuals who only produce an “occupational license,” or corporate filing. An “occupational
license” only means that the person has paid a tax receipt to the local municipality.
After a Storm – What Services Require a State License?
After a storm, clean-up may be a top priority, especially if homes or businesses are damaged.
Below are some examples of common storm-related services that may or may not require a state
license from DBPR. These lists are not intended to be comprehensive, and any additional or
detailed questions should be directed to the Department by calling 850-487-1395.
Services Requiring a License
Services Not Requiring a License
Roof Repairs
Trimming or Removing a Fallen Tree
New or Replacement Roof
Removing Debris
Installing New Windows
Placing a Tarp on a Roof
Plumbing Repairs
Electrical Repairs or Rewiring
Consumers should check with their local building departments to determine if there are
additional permitting and/or licensing requirements for their area. For additional licensure
requirements related to construction, click here.
Verify Licenses Before You Hire or Sign a Contract
Protect yourselves from unlicensed activity. Always verify the license online or call the Customer
Contact Center at 850.487.1395. DBPR also has free smartphone apps that enable consumers to
search for state licenses by name or license numbers. Download the apps in the iTunes
marketplace or the Android marketplace.
Report Unlicensed Activity
During a disaster the Department may dispatch teams to conduct door-to-door sweeps in
conjunction with law enforcement, building departments and other state agencies. Report
unlicensed activity by calling the Department’s Unlicensed Activity Program at 1.866.532.1440 or
emailing ULA@dbpr.state.fl.us.
Important Links
DBPR's Unlicensed Activity Program:
http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/reg/UnlicensedActivity.html
Florida State Emergency Response Team: www.FloridaDisaster.org
Create a Family Disaster Plan: http://www.floridadisaster.org/family/
Create a Business Disaster Plan: http://www.floridadisaster.org/business/
1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee FL 32399 :: Email: Customer Contact Center :: Customer Contact
Center: 850.487.1395
The State of Florida is an AA/EEO employer. Copyright 2007-2010 State of Florida.Privacy Statement
Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records
request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact the office by phone or by traditional mail. If you have any questions,
please contact 850.487.1395.