Hurricane Recovery Resources
Hurricane Irma Recovery Information
Quick Links:
- Local, State, and Federal Resources
- Donate or Support Recovery Efforts
- FAA and NAA Resources
- Housing Information
- Contractor Information
AAGO is coordinating with our partners at The National Apartment Association and the Florida Apartment Association to provide resources to members effected by Hurricane Irma. Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose families and companies have suffered loss or damage as a result of this catastrophic event. If there is a resource you were looking for that was not located on this page please feel free to contact Chip Tatum for more information.
Many thanks to NAA and FAA for allowing us to digest much of the following information from their respective resources.
Local, State & Federal Resources
State of Florida Disaster Information Page
Florida Statute Ch. 83.63: Late Rental Payments and Lease Termination Due to Disaster
Florida Insurance Consumer Helpline: 877-693-5236 Website: www.myfloridacfo.com
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Local Emergency Management Links:
Donate and Support Recovery
More information for this section is coming very soon. In most circumstances, the quickest way for you to make a difference in disaster situations is through a financial contribution to entities such as the Red Cross. Donating supplies or goods can be challenging logistically so please check with your preferred charity prior to purchasing.
Hatching Hope (Provides care kits and clean up kits to displaced residents)
FAA and NAA Resources
FAA Hurricane Irma Resouces Page
NAA Emergency and Disaster Library
Housing Information
For finding available housing or to list apartments as available:
MRI Software: https://www.mrisoftware.com/irma/
Entrata: Resource in development; link to be provided by 9/18
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (affordable housing): www.floridahousingsearch.org/
Yardi: www.rentcafe.com/hurricaneirma
FEMA: If you wish to collaborate with FEMA and provide available units, furniture, or other material resources please contact Courtney Barnard, FAA government affairs director at Courtney@faahq.org.
Contractor Information
When disaster strikes it is not uncommon for contractors for tree removal, roofing, remediation, contracting, and many other cleanup/recontruction services to come from out of state for opportunities. While understanding your property needs are urgent in the wake of the storm it is critically important that you contract with companies licensed to do business in their field of work through the State Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Note: It is important to properly vet suppliers and contractors in any circumstance and from any resource including our supplier marketplace.
You can verify license information by clicking here.
Find AAGO Member Suppliers on our marketplace by clicking here.
General tips for hiring contractors include:
(Digested from "Rebuilding After the Disaster: Tips for Hiring Contractors" www.FEMA.gov.)
- Get a written estimate. Compare services and prices before making a final decision. Also, read the fine print. Some contractors charge a fee for a written estimate, which is often applied to the cost of subsequent repairs.
- Check references. Contractors should be willing to provide names of previous customers. Call several former customers who had similar work done to make sure they were satisfied with the job.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If the contractor is not insured, the homeowner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property.
- Use reliable, licensed contractors. Call your local Better Business Bureau to inquire about a business before signing a contract. [Verify through Florida DBPR: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID=]
- Insist on a written contract. A complete contract should clearly state all tasks to be performed, all associated costs and the payment schedule. Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces. Make sure the contract clearly states who will pay for all materials and will apply for the necessary permits or licenses. Have a lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved, and keep a copy for your records.
- Get guarantees in writing. Any guarantees made by the contractor should be written into the contract. The guarantee should clearly state what is guaranteed, who is responsible for the guarantee and how long the guarantee is valid.
Obtain a local building permit, if required. Permits may be required for site work other than demolition and for reconstruction. Contact your local government for permit information. - Make final payments only after the work is completed. Do not sign completion papers or make the final payment until the work is completed to your satisfaction. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not finished properly.