Post-Hurricane Sarasota Real Estate Girds for Fast Recovery on Eased Repair Permits

The Southwest Florida real estate sector is on a full recovery mode to hurdle the challenges in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. To help homeowners and businesses on rebuilding or repairing damage on their properties, Sarasota County has eased construction permitting, with the town of Longboat Key even allowing emergency repairs initially without a permit.

The work that can be immediately done without a Longboat Key permit includes temporary roof and wall repairs with plywood or plastic sheets to make structures habitable or to prevent further damage of building interiors and exteriors from exposure to rain and wind.

Rules Waived for Emergency Repairs

Longboat town’s construction permitting is also temporarily waived on repairs to interior ceilings and/or walls to make damaged buildings or dwellings habitable or to drain accumulated floodwaters. In addition, Longboat Key allows emergency repairs on steps and building stabilization measures to proceed immediately even without a permit.

A permit application for any emergency repair, however, has to be filed with the town’s Planning, Zoning & Building Department within 24 hours after the work is initiated.

Storm damage repairs in Longboat Key can proceed from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. all days of the week till November 1, with the town manager authorizing a noise waiver to the town’ codes sound regulations.

Construction Permit Fees Reduced

For the entire Sarasota, the county has temporarily reduced building permit fees on repairs of hurricane damage. The reduced fees’ coverage includes re-roofing, door and window replacements, indoor repair from water intrusion, minor electrical repair and electrical service change.

As per the Florida building code, single-family homeowners themselves can undertake the emergency repairs. However, condominium owners are required to hire a contractor to complete any repairs on their dwellings.

Tips on Hiring Repair Contractors

Sarasota County has warned on reports that scammers are trying to take advantage of the high demand on building structure repairs after the recent hurricanes. County authorities have advised homeowners and businesses to be wary about unsolicited repair service offers or contractors offering discounted rates as they will use materials from past projects.

To be safe, Sarasota County and Longboat Key officials recommend choosing only from among licensed and insured contractors for house or building repairs. Preliminary research work on qualified service providers through MyFloridaLicense.com would be helpful on this initial qualification check.

Wise Ways to Engage the Property Sector

Also, avoid paying the repair contract’s full amount upfront, and scrutinize contractors asking for large deposits. Never sign a certificate of completion or release final payment until satisfied with the work performed. In case of a work dispute, inform the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, which is authorized to discipline contractors or even revoke the license of the erring service providers.

The same pieces of advice from Sarasota and Longboat Key officials are worth considering for homeowners planning to market their properties in the post-hurricanes real estate market, particularly on repairs. For more insights on preparing to market your property or to jumpstart your home search, reach out to the experienced professionals of the Kepecz-Hays Team forexpert for help on the best selling and buying opportunities in our dynamic area.