Quick answer: After a hurricane, fraudulent contractors target property owners waiting on insurance payouts. In September 2026, Florida’s Attorney General sued Evolve Construction and its executives, alleging they took large payments for hurricane repairs that were never completed. Business owners can protect themselves by verifying licenses, avoiding large upfront payments, and staying in control of the insurance claim.
The Real Florida Story: Alleged Hurricane Repair Scam
According to FOX 13 Tampa Bay, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a lawsuit on September 25, 2026 against Evolve Construction LLC, Evolve Construction and Restoration Inc., and six executives. The state alleges the companies posed as licensed contractors, collected payments for repairs after Hurricanes Ian and Milton, and did not complete the work.
Key details reported so far:
- At least 80 customers are identified, and roughly 80% are seniors.
- More than $1 million has been identified, with officials expecting the total to grow.
- The case covers 11 Florida counties, including Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Hillsborough, Polk, Broward and others.
- The lawsuit was filed in the 20th Judicial Circuit and includes unfair trade practices counts, seeking injunctive relief, damages and recovery of insurance funds.
- The defendants allegedly lacked proper contractor licensing and home solicitation permits.
These are allegations in a pending lawsuit, not findings of fact. Still, the pattern is a warning for every property owner.
Why This Matters for Florida Business Owners
Commercial property owners, condo associations and landlords are attractive targets. Claims are larger, repairs are urgent, and owners are often juggling tenants, lenders and adjusters. When insurance proceeds arrive, a dishonest contractor asking for a big deposit can turn a covered loss into a second, uninsured one. Stolen claim money is rarely replaced by your policy.
How to Protect Your Business From Post-Hurricane Contractor Fraud
- Verify the license. Check any contractor’s license and complaint history on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website before signing anything.
- Beware door-knockers. Unsolicited offers after a storm, pressure to sign immediately, or “we’ll handle your claim” promises are red flags.
- Limit upfront payments. Tie payments to completed milestones, and get a written contract with scope, timeline and price.
- Pay through traceable methods. Avoid large cash payments, and never sign over your insurance check without understanding the terms.
- Keep control of the claim. Talk to your insurance carrier and your broker, and keep photos, estimates and correspondence organized.
- Confirm the contractor’s insurance. Ask for certificates of general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. Uninsured contractors can leave you exposed if someone is hurt on your property.
- Report suspicious activity. Contact the Florida Attorney General’s office or your insurer’s fraud unit.
How Your Insurance Program Fits In
A well-built commercial program does more than pay claims. Confirm your named-storm deductible, business interruption coverage and ordinance or law coverage before storm season, and understand how appraisal and coverage disputes work. Our case analyses of American Coastal v. Hanson’s Landing and American Coastal v. Ironwood show how claim disputes unfold in Florida courts. Also review contractor and vehicle exposures, as covered in how low auto limits can bankrupt your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a Florida contractor is licensed?
Search the contractor’s name or license number on the Florida DBPR license lookup, and check for disciplinary history and active status.
Is it safe to give a contractor my insurance check?
Be very cautious. Understand the contract, avoid paying for work not yet performed, and consult your insurer or broker before endorsing or assigning claim funds.
What should a business do first after hurricane damage?
Prevent further damage, document everything with photos and video, notify your carrier promptly, and keep receipts for emergency repairs.
Need Help Reviewing Your Coverage Before the Next Storm?
Learn what Highlight Risk Services does, read more on our blog, or contact us for a commercial property and hurricane preparedness review.
This article is for general information and is not legal advice. Lawsuit details are allegations as reported by the cited source.