Florida Sued Construction Firm Over Storm Fraud
The state filed a lawsuit alleging a construction company scammed at least 80 storm victims out of insurance money.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against Evolve Construction LLC and its six executives for allegedly defrauding storm victims. The company is accused of pocketing over $1 million in insurance funds while failing to complete promised home repairs following the 2024 hurricanes.
Why it matters
The lawsuit seeks to recover misappropriated funds for dozens of residents who were left with damaged homes and no recourse. Officials highlighted the predatory nature of the scheme, noting that the vast majority of the victims targeted were seniors.
The state filed the lawsuit in the 20th Circuit Court seeking injunctive relief and monetary damages. Authorities identified 80 victims across 11 counties, with 80 percent of those individuals being seniors.
The players
James Uthmeier
He serves as the Florida Attorney General and is leading the legal action against the construction firm.
Evolve Construction LLC
This is the construction and restoration company accused of failing to perform repairs after collecting insurance payments.
The details
The defendants allegedly targeted homeowners in Southwest Florida by going door-to-door to offer free inspections. After securing large advance payments from victims, the company failed to perform work and lacked necessary Florida contractor licenses or permits.
Timeline
The 2024 hurricanes caused significant damage across Southwest Florida.
The Attorney General announced the lawsuit on September 18, 2026.
Legal Context
This case reflects broader efforts by the state to crack down on post-disaster fraud schemes that exploit vulnerabilities in the aftermath of hurricanes. Recent legislative scrutiny has intensified as regulators target unlicensed entities attempting to bypass industry licensing standards.
Homeowners in affected areas are encouraged to verify contractor licenses through the state before agreeing to any repairs or paying advances. The state maintains resources for residents to report suspicious solicitations or potential construction fraud to official channels.
The takeaway
Disaster victims should remain cautious of door-to-door contractors who demand large upfront payments without providing verified licensing information. Verifying a contractor status with state authorities is the most effective way to prevent falling victim to predatory post-storm schemes.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to combat deceptive trade practices in the Financial Crime section.
More information
To verify credentials or submit a complaint, visit the report construction fraud to Attorney General portal.
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Do you feel confident in your ability to verify a contractor is licensed after a disaster?
