Hurricane Fraud in Florida

Every Florida hurricane spawns a wave of disaster-related fraud — fake FEMA emails, fraudulent contractors, charity scams, and identity theft. Here's the playbook scammers use, and how to defend against it.

The Six Most Common Hurricane Fraud Schemes

1. Fake FEMA Emails and Texts

Within hours of a Florida hurricane, scammers send phishing emails and texts claiming to be from FEMA, asking residents to "verify identity" or "complete application" via fraudulent links. The links steal personal information, banking details, and sometimes deploy malware. Real FEMA: applies through DisasterAssistance.gov or 1-800-621-FEMA. Never via unsolicited email links.

2. "Storm Chaser" Contractor Fraud

Out-of-state "contractors" arrive in Florida after major hurricanes offering immediate roof repairs, debris removal, or "free inspections." Common tactics: demanding 50% deposit, doing partial or no work, disappearing with money. Some inflate insurance claims fraudulently, exposing homeowners to insurance fraud charges. Defense: Only hire Florida-licensed contractors. Verify license at myfloridalicense.com. Never pay more than 10% upfront.

3. Fake Charity and Disaster Relief Scams

Scammers create lookalike "hurricane relief" charities with names mimicking legitimate organizations (Red Cross, Salvation Army, local Florida charities). Door-to-door solicitors and online crowdfunding scams collect donations that never reach victims. Verify charities at Charity Navigator or Florida's charity registration database before donating.

4. Insurance Adjuster Impersonation

People posing as insurance adjusters arrive at damaged homes claiming to expedite claims. They collect policy information and personal details, then either disappear or submit fraudulent claims. Real adjusters: are sent by your insurance company at your request, show identification, and never ask for payment.

5. Generator and Supply Price Gouging

Florida law prohibits price gouging during declared disasters, but enforcement is uneven. Scammers sell generators, water, and supplies at extreme markups, sometimes via fake "emergency supply" websites that take payment and never deliver. Report price gouging to Florida AG: 1-866-9NO-SCAM.

6. Post-Storm Identity Theft

Hurricane evacuations create chaos that scammers exploit. Mail piles up, addresses change temporarily, displaced residents are distracted. Identity thieves use this window to open accounts, file false tax returns, or apply for credit using stolen information. Place fraud alerts on credit reports before evacuating, and review credit reports within 90 days post-storm.

How to Protect Yourself Before, During, and After Florida Hurricanes

Before a Hurricane (Hurricane Prep)

• Document your home with video walkthrough. Email yourself copies. This evidence protects insurance claims.
• Store insurance policies digitally (cloud storage, email).
• Set up credit fraud alerts at all three bureaus if evacuation is likely.
• Establish a verification protocol with family for emergency communications.

During Evacuation

• Stop or forward mail via USPS to prevent identity theft.
• Don't post real-time location on social media (advertises empty home).
• Use credit cards for evacuation expenses, not debit. Credit gives chargeback rights.

After the Hurricane

• File insurance claims directly through your insurance company's official app or website only.
• Apply for FEMA aid only via DisasterAssistance.gov or 1-800-621-FEMA.
• Only hire Florida-licensed contractors. Verify license, get written estimates, never pay full upfront.
• Take photos before debris cleanup for insurance documentation.
• Be skeptical of door-to-door anything — repairs, donations, inspections.
• Pull credit reports 30 and 90 days post-storm to catch identity theft early.

How to Report Hurricane Fraud in Florida

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions