TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) has been activated to provide support to homeowners in need of post-Hurricane Ian home repairs.

This is a free service founded in part by the state agency that regulates Florida’s construction industry, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Its mission is simple – connect homeowners needing emergency repairs with licensed contractors and construction suppliers.

“When it comes to making home repairs, we recommend that Floridians use licensed contractors,” said Melanie S. Griffin, Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. “We don’t want to see any Floridian become a victim a second time, and the Disaster Contractors Network can help prevent fraud.”

How it works: Once homeowners are safely able to assess their home repair needs, they are encouraged to log onto DCNOnline.org and search by county for a list of Florida licensed contractors in their local community that are providing these services.”

Track record of success: The DCN has been connecting homeowners to licensed contractors for nearly 20 years, and was particularly instrumental in helping Southwest Florida get back on its feet after Hurricane Charley – which took a similar path as Hurricane Ian.

For contractors/suppliers: While many of Florida contractors and suppliers have already registered, there is still an opportunity for additional licensed contractors and suppliers to log onto DCNOnline.org to register their licensed company.