Why this matters right now
On September 25, 2026, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued Evolve Construction & Restoration and six of its executives, alleging unfair and deceptive practices against Florida homeowners. The complaint alleges the company collected more than $1 million in insurance payments from over 80 homeowners, more than 60 percent of them seniors, for roof and restoration work that was never finished after Hurricanes Ian and Milton. The AG's office alleges some sales representatives were neither licensed contractors nor held the home-solicitation permits Florida requires, that the company threatened liens without performing work, and that customers who tried to cancel were charged 25 to 35 percent cancellation fees. (The defendants deny the allegations; the case is ongoing.)
One bad company does not define an industry, but the pattern repeats after every Florida storm. Use the checklist below to protect yourself.
7 red flags of a restoration scam
1. They showed up at your door right after a storm
Legitimate companies get most work from referrals and insurance partners. High-pressure door-knockers who appear days after a hurricane, the AG's complaint notes Evolve began operating just two days after Hurricane Ian, deserve extra scrutiny, not instant trust.
2. They want your insurance check signed over upfront
Never sign insurance proceeds or an assignment-of-benefits form you have not fully read. Once a company controls your claim money, your leverage is gone. Reputable restorers document the damage, agree on a written scope, and bill your insurer directly with your approval at each step.
3. They cannot show a Florida license, or will not let you verify it
Ask for the license number, then check it yourself at the Florida DBPR license portal (myfloridalicense.com). Structural repairs require a state Certified General, Building, or Residential contractor license; mold remediation requires a Florida mold remediator license. No verifiable license, no hire, it is that simple.
4. The contract is vague or rushed
A legitimate proposal lists the full scope of work, itemized pricing, start and completion dates, a payment schedule tied to milestones, and warranty terms. "Sign today for 20% off" and one-page handshake deals are how disputes, and lawsuits, start.
5. They demand large cash deposits
Reasonable deposits are normal; demands for most of the money upfront, especially in cash, are not. Pay by check or card so every dollar is traceable.
6. They threaten liens or charge steep cancellation fees
The AG's complaint alleges Evolve filed 81 liens against homeowners in a single Florida county, sometimes without performing work, and charged 25-35% cancellation fees. Read the cancellation clause before you sign anything.
7. They have no local footprint you can check
Search the company name plus "complaints" and "lawsuit." Check Google reviews for patterns (not just the star count). A company claiming dozens of locations should have verifiable offices, not just a website.
What to do instead: the safe-hire checklist
- Verify the license at myfloridalicense.com before anyone touches your home
- Get 2-3 written estimates with itemized scopes, never hire the first knock on the door
- Read before you sign, especially anything assigning insurance benefits
- Photograph everything before, during, and after the work
- Pay traceably (check/card), tied to completed milestones
- Report problems to the Florida Attorney General (myfloridalegal.com) and the DBPR
Water damage cannot wait, mold starts within 24-48 hours in Florida humidity, but ten minutes of verification can save you tens of thousands of dollars. Choose a licensed, insured team that puts the scope in writing and bills your insurer directly.
Need Help You Can Verify? Call Skyfold.
Licensed & insured. IICRC-certified technicians. Written scopes, photo documentation, and direct insurance billing on every job, before any work starts.
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