Ten things to check before you hire
- IICRC certification. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification sets the S500 water damage standard. Ask whether the firm and its technicians hold current certifications, and verify them on iicrc.org.
- Insurance. Ask for a certificate of general liability coverage, and workers' compensation where required.
- Response time. A real emergency line answers at 2 a.m. and gives an arrival window.
- Local presence. Crews that already work in your county arrive faster and understand local building types.
- Written scope of work. Itemized, with equipment and drying goals.
- Moisture documentation. Daily readings, photos and a final dry log.
- Experience with your insurer. They should know how to work with adjusters without taking over your claim.
- References and reviews. Read real reviews and ask for recent jobs similar to yours.
- Clear contract. No blank lines and no signing before you have read the whole thing.
- Straight answers. They tell you what can and cannot be saved.
Plumber or restoration company first?
Both, ideally at once. The plumber stops or fixes the source; the restoration crew extracts and dries. Calling restoration while you wait for the plumber saves time. If you are unsure what to do first, see our first-hour emergency guide.
Florida consumer protections to know
After storms, scammers appear. The Florida Department of Financial Services offers consumer guidance and a helpline for insurance and contractor problems. Verify that a company has a real local address, a working phone number and proof of insurance before you sign. See mold after water damage for more.
Questions to ask on the phone
- "How soon can a technician be here, and what happens when they arrive?"
- "Are your technicians IICRC-certified, and can you send proof?"
- "Will you give me a written scope and daily moisture readings?"
- "How will you handle my insurance company?"
- "What happens if something is found wet after the first visit?"
What a company says on the phone tells you a lot. Calm, specific answers beat sales pitches. Compare how each firm explains the restoration process.
Red flags
- Door-to-door offers after a storm.
- Pressure to sign over your insurance benefits. For new Florida policies since 2023, AOB is generally barred; ask your insurer.
- Large cash deposits and no contract.
- No physical Florida address you can verify. Industry forums describe lead resellers with false addresses that pass jobs to whoever is free.
- Verbal assurances such as "it will not be much" with no written estimate. See what to do when the bill is higher than insurance paid.
- A price that is far below every other bid. Check the scope; low bids often skip drying steps. Our cost guide explains why.
What makes a company stand out
Great companies document everything, answer calls quickly, explain decisions and do not oversell demolition. They also tell you honestly when a job is beyond their scope. If you want a team that works this way, our 24/7 emergency line covers Miami and Miami-Dade, Orange County, Hillsborough and the rest of the state.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a water damage restoration company?
IICRC certification, insurance, 24/7 response, local presence, a written scope, daily moisture logs and verifiable references.
How can I check that a restoration company is real?
Look for a physical local address, a working phone number, proof of insurance and recent local references, then search the company name with reviews and complaints.
Should I call a plumber or a restoration company first?
Call both. The plumber stops the source while the restoration company extracts water and starts drying. If only one can arrive fast, call restoration first for active flooding.
How can I compare restoration estimates?
Compare scope, equipment counts, drying days, demolition and disposal line items. Ask each company for its moisture documentation plan.