Many Florida communities are trying to rebuild after Hurricane Irma ripped through their counties. Irma uprooted trees, destroyed homes and flooded streets—damaging vital infrastructure. In some cases, debris is making it impossible for utility workers to gain access to areas to restore power and causing other access issues. City and county leaders are trying desperately to remove this debris but are running into issues with their contractors prioritizing other, more lucrative jobs or demanding higher rates.

When I learned about this vital public safety issue, I immediately began working with Governor Rick Scott, emergency managers and city and county leaders to help find a solution. My staff is currently reviewing contracts that have been provided by some cities and counties to determine if any of the contractors are violating the law. [Read more…]

Attorney General Bondi’s Weekly Briefing

Hurricane Irma ripped through our state this week, leaving a path of destruction that will take months to repair. Millions are without electricity and fuel. Thousands more suffered home damage or flooding. As Floridians begin to pick up the pieces, they should be wary of common scams that arise after natural disasters—including: debris-removal, tree-service, home-repair, disaster-relief and water-treatment scams.

To guard against scams, research a company or contractor, ask for references and get multiple quotes before signing a contract. Beware of any unsolicited offers or contractors claiming they can perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job. Never pay the full amount up front and do not make final payment until completely satisfied with the work performed.

Additionally, the state of emergency remains in effect statewide and that means Florida’s price gouging law still applies to anyone selling essential commodities or services. Anyone who suspects price gouging or any scam should call my office at (866) 9NO-SCAM or file a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com. [Read more…]

MARATHON, Fla. – Today, (September 13, 2017) Governor Rick Scott joined Florida National Guard members, FWC officers, and Florida Highway Patrol officers to tour impacts of Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys. Over the past two days, the Governor also toured damage caused by Hurricane Irma in Clay and Lee Counties.

Before Monday morning, Braden and Kimberlie Dando had never heard of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Today, they say they owe their lives to the FWC officers who have been deployed to the Houston area to help rescue flood victims.

“If they didn’t show up I don’t what we would have done because we did not have a way to get out. I just want to thank them for what they did,” Braden, 25, said during a telephone interview from his mother-in-law’s house in Highlands, Texas.

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The Dandos two boys–Paxton, 3, who is autistic, and Nixon, 15 months old–were also inside the apartment. Their parents concern grew as the flood waters began to cover Nixon’s crib.

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“We had to swim with our kids,” Kimberlie recalled. “We literally had to drag our 3-year-old, while he was screaming, out of the house.” [Read more…]

More Than 400 Florida Volunteers Deployed to Texas and Louisiana 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers are continuing to actively assist with disaster response efforts in the Houston area. FWC officers have rescued more than 500 Texans since arriving in the area after being deployed by Governor Scott in response to Texas’ request for emergency assistance. Additionally, more than 400 Florida volunteers have been deployed to Texas and Louisiana as Volunteer Florida continues to coordinate the activities of 11 disaster relief organizations.

FWC Response Efforts:

• More than 500 Texans rescued by FWC officers since arriving in the area after being deployed by Governor Scott in response to Texas’ request for emergency assistance.
• Nearly 125 FWC officers are supporting ongoing search and rescue and disaster response efforts.
• FWC resources deployed to Texas include more than 40 boats, 17 high water vehicles, two Mobile Command Centers, and eight shallow draft vessels.

[Read more…]