PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Florida homeowners impacted by back-to-back hurricanes might be overwhelmed with how to start the rebuilding process.

What You Need To Know

  • Tips from the Federal Trade Commission
    • Verify your insurance coverage

    • Be skeptical of promises of immediate cleanup and repairs

    • Verify licensing and insurance of contractors

    • Get estimates from more than one contractor

    • Get a contract and read it carefully

David Clements is rebuilding his house a second time after flooding. The 28 year old and his girlfriend have only lived in the Shore Acres house about two years.

“You lose a lot in these storms, not just the house, your safety, just the way you feel about where you live,” said Clements, who was just getting comfortable again after moving back in post-Idalia.

“It’s hard. I mean, it’s your first house. We’re both 28, thought we were in a good spot getting our first place and losing it for the second time in twelve months hurts,” said Clements, who initially had issues with crews hired to do that work.

“We unfortunately came in with some bad contractors last year and took quite a big hit financially and emotionally,” said Clements.

The Federal Trade Commission reminds homeowners cleaning up to confirm the licensing and insurance of those hired to rebuild.

Tommy Whitehead, president and CEO of TomCo Solutions, agrees. Whitehead is now Clements’ contractor and said it’s essential that the firm is familiar with flood claims.

“A flood claim is very different than just remodeling your kitchen because you want a new look,” said Whitehead. “A flood claim has a very specific guideline in what you have to do all the way from tear out to dry out, to build back.”

A lot of homeowners ask where to even begin. Whitehead says the first step after a disaster is documentation.

“You should have a few hundred pictures and very thorough video from the ceiling all the way to the floor of your home,” said Whitehead.

From payouts to permitting and supplies, every case will be different, but Whitehead says homeowners should expect some delays.

“If it was a normal storm or a normal renovation project, I would say factor about six months after your permits issued and permits can be a few weeks to a few months,” said Whitehead. “Right now, we’re not quite sure how fast money is coming, how fast permits are coming, so this could be more than a year to get you reestablished.”

Getting reestablished is a process Clements is, unfortunately, familiar with.

“You just try to move on, try to be strong and rebuild the best you can,” he expressed.