Which home pros should I book before hurricane season on Florida's Gulf Coast?

The checklist

• Roof: have a roofer look for loose shingles or tiles, flashing and soft spots, and fix them before summer storms.
• Trees and palms: trim dead limbs and branches over the roof; avoid over-trimming palms.
• Shutters and impact windows: check hardware, tracks and panels; label panels by opening.
• Garage door: check that it's wind-rated or has a brace.
• Generator: service a standby unit and test a portable one; buy CO alarms.
• Gutters and drains: clear them so heavy rain flows away from the house.
• Pool cage and lanai screens: repair loose panels and screws.
• Docks and seawalls: check for cracks and erosion.
• Documents: photos of the home and belongings, your insurance policy and your wind mitigation report.

After a storm

• Stay away from downed lines and floodwater.
• Photograph damage before cleanup, and call your insurer.
• Check the license of any contractor before signing, and avoid pressure to sign on the spot.

How to check the license

Ask for the Florida license number and look it up yourself at myfloridalicense.com (the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation). Check that the name matches who you're hiring, the license type fits the job, and the status is current and active. Certified licenses are good statewide; registered ones only where the contractor holds a local license.

The license record doesn't show insurance, so also ask for certificates of general liability and workers' compensation insurance.

Red flags

• No license number for licensed work, or one that doesn't match the business.
• A large deposit, especially in cash, before any work or permit.
• Offering to skip the permit on work that needs one.
• Pressure to sign today, or door-to-door offers after a storm.
• A vague price with nothing in writing.

Common questions

When is the best time to book storm prep?

Spring, before June. Once a storm is in the cone, roofers, tree services and shutter installers are overwhelmed.

What is a wind mitigation inspection?

An inspection, on a standard Florida form, of features that help a home resist wind (roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, roof shape, opening protection). Insurers must offer discounts for qualifying features.

Can I find pros for all of these on aBlueC?

Yes: roofing, tree service, hurricane shutters and impact windows, generators, gutters, screen enclosures, and docks and seawalls are all on the live map.

More guides

• What does a roof replacement cost in Port Charlotte?
• What should I ask before hiring a roofer in Florida?
• How do I find a trustworthy roofer after a hurricane in Charlotte County?
• How do I check a Florida contractor license?
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