Disaster Recovery in Tampa

Tampa Bay's unique geography creates extreme storm surge vulnerability. The bay's shallow bathymetry can amplify storm surge to 15-20 feet in major hurricanes. Properties along Bayshore Boulevard, Davis Islands, Harbour Island, and the Channelside District face the highest risk. Additionally, Tampa hasn't experienced a direct major hurricane hit since 1921, meaning much of the building stock predates modern wind codes. Our disaster recovery team understands these vulnerabilities and provides comprehensive restoration when storms strike.

Our principal, Frank Bragano, brings 43+ years of property claims experience, including 7 years as an Allstate Commercial Property Adjuster (1982-1989) and subsequent work as an Executive General Adjuster with CJW-Vericlaim and Sedgwick. This insurance industry background means we understand claims from both sides—adjuster and contractor. We know what documentation carriers need, how to properly scope damages, and how to communicate effectively to facilitate fair settlements.

We specialize in large loss disaster recovery, typically projects exceeding $250,000. Our Tampa portfolio includes commercial properties, multi-family residential complexes, condominiums, HOA common areas, and high-value single-family homes. Our Hurricane Harvey response in Texas exceeded $40M total, and our Hurricane Irma work in Miami exceeded $20M—demonstrating our capacity for major disaster mobilization.

Yes, Florida Construction Specialists works with all major insurance carriers on commercial and residential large loss claims. Our professional relationships with carriers, adjusters, and claims professionals throughout Florida help facilitate efficient claim processing. We maintain the documentation standards and professional communication that carriers expect from experienced restoration contractors.

Tampa's highest-risk areas include VE (velocity) flood zones along Hillsborough Bay, Davis Islands, Harbour Island, Bayshore Boulevard, and the Channelside District. South Tampa, Westshore, and low-lying areas near the Hillsborough River also face significant flood exposure. Downtown Tampa's older commercial buildings and the historic districts of Ybor City, Hyde Park, and Tampa Heights require specialized restoration approaches that comply with both building codes and historic preservation requirements.

Under Florida Building Code, if repair costs exceed 50% of a building's pre-damage market value, the entire structure must be brought up to current code—not just the damaged portions. In Tampa, this often triggers requirements for impact-resistant windows, upgraded roof tie-downs, flood elevation compliance, and HVHZ (High-Velocity Hurricane Zone) wind resistance standards. Our experience with substantial improvement calculations helps Tampa property owners understand their obligations and plan accordingly.

We provide comprehensive documentation including initial damage assessments with photos and video, moisture mapping reports, detailed scope of work documents, certified estimates using industry-standard software, material specifications, progress reports, and final completion documentation. This thorough documentation supports fair claim settlements and provides clear records for supplemental claims when hidden damage is discovered during restoration.

Hurricane restoration timelines vary by project scope. Emergency stabilization typically takes 1-3 days, water extraction and structural drying 5-14 days, and structural repairs 30-90 days. Complete restoration of large commercial or multi-family properties often requires 6-12 months, depending on damage extent, permit timelines through the City of Tampa Building Department, and material availability. We provide realistic schedules during our initial assessment.

Yes, FCS has extensive experience restoring historic properties throughout Tampa Bay, including work in Ybor City, Hyde Park, Tampa Heights, and Seminole Heights. We coordinate with the Tampa Historic Preservation Commission and follow Secretary of the Interior Standards to maintain historic character while incorporating disaster-resistant improvements where permitted. Our portfolio includes projects like the Italian American Club in Ybor City and Bay Pines Veterans Hospital.

We handle all major disaster types including hurricane and tropical storm damage, flooding and water intrusion, fire and smoke damage, tornado damage, hail damage, and vehicle impact damage. Our services encompass structural repair, roof reconstruction, interior restoration, mold remediation coordination, and complete building envelope reconstruction. As a prime contractor, we manage all aspects of restoration from emergency response through final completion.