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Common questions, answered.
What Florida homeowners ask before they hire, in one place. Short answers first, with a link to the full answer or to local pros.
Something broke and I need help now
My AC stopped working. Who can come today?
Search AC pros near you and tick “Lists 24-hour service”. Call two and ask for the earliest visit and what the service call costs.
AC pros with 24-hour serviceA pipe burst or something is leaking.
Turn off the main water valve first, then call a plumber who lists 24-hour service.
Plumbers with 24-hour serviceMy roof is leaking after a storm.
Photograph the damage, cover it only if it’s safe, call your insurer, then a licensed roofer. Check the license before signing with anyone who knocks on your door.
Find a roofer
Storms, roofs and insurance
My insurer says my roof is too old. Do I have to replace it?
Not automatically. An insurer can’t refuse to write or renew a policy just because of age if the roof is under 15 years old. At 15 or older, you can have it inspected; if it has at least 5 years of life left, they can’t refuse on age alone.
Roof age and insurance in FloridaWhat is a 4-point inspection?
A check of the roof, electrical, plumbing and AC that insurers often ask for on older homes. One Florida insurer puts it at about $75–$150.
More on inspectionsWill a wind mitigation inspection lower my premium?
It can. It records how storm-resistant the roof and its attachments are, and insurers give credits for those features. A 2023 local report put it at $100–$150, good for 5 years.
More on inspectionsDoes the 25% rule mean I need a whole new roof?
Not if your roof was built to the 2007 Florida code or later: then only the repaired part has to meet today’s code.
The 25% rule explained
What will it cost?
How much is a new AC in Florida?
Published Florida ranges: about $7,000–$10,000 to replace a standard central AC system in Florida (2026). Size, efficiency and ductwork move it.
AC replacement in FloridaHow much does pool service cost a month?
About $75–$200 a month in Florida (2025); one Volusia company publishes $145–$195 (2026).
Pool service in Volusia & FlaglerHow much does termite treatment cost?
About $800–$4,500 for treatment in Florida (2026), and about $1,000–$3,000 to tent a house (2025). Subterranean termites aren’t treated by tenting.
Termites in FloridaWhat about other jobs?
Every town page for a trade shows a typical price line, and some businesses post their own typical price on their card.
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Permits and licenses
How do I check a contractor’s license?
Construction trades: search the DBPR license lookup. Pest control and fertilizer: FDACS. Handymen and painters need no state license.
Check a licenseDoes a handyman need a license in Florida?
No state license. Small jobs under $2,500 in total are exempt; plumbing, electrical, AC and roofing work still need a licensed pro.
What handymen can doDo I need a permit for a new roof or AC?
A new roof needs a building permit, pulled by the licensed roofer. Volusia County lists an AC changeout as permit work, and Palm Coast issues mechanical permits. Your contractor pulls the permit.
Before you pay
Lawn and water rules
What day can I water?
In Volusia and Flagler (St. Johns River Water Management District), during daylight saving time odd addresses water Wednesday and Saturday, even addresses Thursday and Sunday; in standard time, Saturday (odd) or Sunday (even). Never between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Irrigation prosCan I fertilize in the summer?
Not in most of Volusia County: no nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer June 1 through September 30. Deltona has its own ordinance.
Lawn care prosWhy is my St. Augustine lawn turning brown in patches?
Chinch bugs are a common cause in sunny spots in hot, dry weather. Look closely at the edge of the patch, or have a lawn pest pro check before you water more.
Lawn and pest prosMy pool turned green after the rain.
Heavy rain dilutes the chlorine. Test the water, shock it, brush and run the pump. If it won’t clear, call a pool service.
Pool service in Volusia & Flagler
Hiring safely
How much deposit should I pay?
Keep it small. A Florida contractor who takes more than 10% up front must apply for permits within 30 days and start within 90 days after they’re issued.
Before you payWhat if the contractor isn’t licensed?
Contracting without a required license is a crime in Florida, and a felony during a declared emergency such as after a hurricane.
Check a licenseHow do I compare quotes?
Get two or three written, itemized quotes for the same scope, check license and insurance, and tie payments to finished work.
How to hire a contractor
Sources: Florida Statutes 627.7011 (roof age and home insurance) (opens in new tab) · Florida Statutes 553.844 (roof repairs, the 25% rule) (opens in new tab) · Security First: 4-point inspections (opens in new tab) · News4Jax: wind mitigation inspections (2023) (opens in new tab) · HVAC Services Pro: Florida AC replacement cost (2026) (opens in new tab) · Fountain Blue Pools: Florida pool service cost (2025) (opens in new tab) · Float On Pools & Spas: Volusia pool service pricing (2026) (opens in new tab) · TermiteTreatmentPrice: Florida termite treatment cost (2026) (opens in new tab) · Hoffer Pest: cost to tent a house in Florida (2025) (opens in new tab) · UF/IFAS: termite season questions (opens in new tab) · Florida DBPR license lookup (opens in new tab) · FDACS licensing (pest control, ch. 482) (opens in new tab) · Florida Statutes 489.103 (exemptions, incl. under $2,500) (opens in new tab) · Florida Statutes 489.117 (jobs a city or county may not license) (opens in new tab) · Volusia County residential permit guide (opens in new tab) · City of Palm Coast building division (opens in new tab) · St. Johns River Water Management District watering rules (opens in new tab) · Volusia County fertilizer ordinance (opens in new tab) · UF/IFAS: chinch bugs (opens in new tab) · Florida Statutes 489.126 (deposits over 10%) (opens in new tab) · Florida Statutes 489.127 (unlicensed contracting) (opens in new tab)