CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. -- As the cleanup continues in Charlotte County after dual tornadoes tore through the area Wednesday afternoon, residents are being asked to keep an eye out for unlicensed contractors.
At least 11 families remain homeless and more than 50 homes are damaged after EF-1 and EF-0 tornadoes touched down in Deep Creek and Murdock, respectively. Thankfully, no on was seriously hurt.
The American Red Cross is now helping victims with shelter, food and clothing. Meanwhile, Waste Management is collecting debris on regularly scheduled days. All debris must be in containers and they can be no more than 40 pounds.
Meanwhile, contractors -- both legit and unlicensed -- are already swarming neighborhoods, promising good deals on repairs. So to protect your money you should always ask to see their business license and never pay for promised repairs up front.
Tornado victims can also check myflorida.com to see if the contractor is licensed or not. Or you can also call the county's Building Construction Services to verify licensing for contractors. That number is 941-743-1201.
