(WSVN) – A state program meant to help Floridians make home repairs is under fire again. This time, it was because they didn’t check the contractors who were collecting state money.
7’s Heather Walker investigates.
Debra Davis feels a little safer this hurricane season.
Heather Walker: “This is a brand new roof.”
Debra Davis/Homeowner: “Yes, this is a brand new roof.”
When we first met Debra in March, she was trying to get her roof repaired through the Florida PACE program. We provide loans for home renovations.
Debra Davis: “I didn’t like the way he treated me.”
She called PACE to find another contractor. And that’s when the threats started.
Debra Davis: “I got a text message that said, ‘I’m ____, and you signed a contract with us.’ If you don’t cooperate with us, we’ll put a foreclosure notice on your house.” I’ll paste it.
After our article aired, PACE removed Debra’s first contractor from the show.
But she says the state shouldn’t need a 7News article to take action.
Debra Davis: “It’s very disappointing because this program sends out reliable people.”
And Debra is not alone. Since our last report, 7Investigates has heard from many viewers who have been in similar situations with PACE contractors. Many people ask how the country selects and approves them.
Debra Davis: “That’s the problem. There’s no standard.”
7Investigate is PACE certified, so contractors only need to be licensed, insured, and pass a financial review.
Sen. Jonathan Martin/Florida District 33: “There was a lot of room for improvement in the program.”
State Sen. Jonathan Martin heard about PACE’s problems even before he was elected.
A Fort Myers attorney said people came to his office seeking legal advice after being deceived by PACE contractors.
So when he was elected, he helped pass legislation that required oversight of contractors.
Sen. Jonathan Martin: “I hope the individuals who are bad apples and bad contractors will fix it or move to another state and leave us alone. If they don’t and they want to play with fire. , they will be held accountable.”
The bill has been sent to the governor and is expected to be signed into law next month.
Debra hopes it helps others.
Debra Davis: “We need some tweaking, we need a little more protection for homeowners.”
Now that the roof is complete, Debra says she can finally move on to the next task on her to-do list.
Debra Davis: “We’re going to put a lot of love into this house.”
And Florida homeowners deserve assistance without any headaches.
Heather Walker, 7News.
Contact 7 investigates:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
[email protected]
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