As demand for home repairs continues to climb in Citrus County, especially following recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, officials are warning residents about the risks of hiring unlicensed contractors.

Local business owner Katrina Leturno, who runs Circle T Sod Farms with her family, has noticed a surge in customer inquiries ahead of the rainy season.

“There’s a growing need for home renovations and repairs,” Leturno told Spectrum News. “We started as a small, family-run business, and we’re proud to be part of this community.”

However, Leturno—who also serves as president of the Citrus County Building Alliance—said the increased demand has opened the door for a troubling trend: a rise in unlicensed construction work and aftereffects, such as unpermitted work.

“Whenever there’s a spike in demand, unlicensed contractors tend to follow,” she explained. “They see an opportunity, and that’s when homeowners need to be extra cautious.”

Kayla Carroll and Gaston Hall, who work alongside Leturno at the Building Alliance, echoed her concerns. Hall, a retired certified general contractor, said this pattern is common after major weather events.

“This kind of activity happens regularly,” Hall said. “But after widespread property damage, there’s a noticeable surge in unlicensed and unpermitted work.”

Hall urged hurricane-damaged homeowners to take proactive steps to verify a contractor’s legitimacy.

“Always ask for proof of their license and insurance,” he advised. “Check that their license number is on all contracts, and call to confirm it’s active.”

Leturno warned that the consequences of hiring an unlicensed contractor can be serious.

“You could lose your home insurance if the work isn’t up to code,” she said. “There’s a lot of risk placed on the homeowner, and it’s important they understand what’s at stake when hiring someone without a license.”

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: WFTS)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news