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Florida Property Blog

Pertinent articles for those looking to buy property or visit Florida
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Buying A Home In Florida? Did You Think About Florida Pest Control? Don't Forget About The Bugs, They Wont Move Out Just Cos You've Moved In!  Stop right now! Chances are your head is full of property taxes, Florida property legislation and best financing deals for Florida property. That is all relevant and good for your finances and an excellent resource for these aspects of buying a home in Florida can be found here. Lets now get down to “Peace of Mind”. When you have bagged a property you gotta make sure it is just you and your loved ones that are living in that dream Florida home. Most folks forget about those litlle criitters... BUGS!. Florida is no exception. So let me bring the topic to your immediate attention Now , so that you nail any potential problems before you move in! Believe me sharing your freshly baked bread with a colony of ants or opening your food cupboards to greet roaches is not a possibilty it is just nature! Bugs don't live by our rules... they live by their own!
What Do I Need To Know? With the warm and humid climate found throughout much of Florida, a vast range of insects can become pests to property owners. Bugs such as: Roaches Ants Silverfish Bedbugs! Mosquitoes Fireants Spiders A vast variety of bugs can also destroy that pretty garden!
What Can I Do? There are plenty of companies that can efficiently erradicate bugs from your Florida home and garden. However do not just pick a company at random. You gotta look for the best deal for your circumstances. If you are buying offplan in Florida ask your realtor if the constructor is deploying the services of pest control. For resale and those moving into new homes you will have to be proactive in dealing with Florida pests.
Get quotes from 3 Companies  Look for the best price with the best service. Typically a good company will offer to return and retreat for FREE within a specified time period. Do not be afraid to quote the price of another company to any of them to try and lower a quote.. This can help you to get the company and service you want at the best price possible.
Ascertain if they are State Certified
The Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control protects Florida citizens from unreliable pest control practices and corrupt pest control operators. (At present they do not hold a searchable database of certified companies. However you CAN always provide the details of companies you research and select and they will verify if they are or are not licensed.)

Qualified companies that engage in pest control activities must be licensed. The State issues a numbered pest control business license to all active pest control companies annually.

You should request the company to supply you with a copy of this document. Business license numbers will begin with a pre-fix of "JB". You can always contact the Bureau office and verify that the company/person is licensed. They can be reached at (850) 921-4177, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except for holidays).


It is lunacy to use an unlicensed pest control operator. Most do not have insurance and cleaning up a contaminated house resulting from misuse of pesticides can be very expensive and not worth the couple of dollars you saved. Unlicensed pest control operators could use an agricultural pesticide indoors or use the incorrect pesticide entirely. Some consumers have paid in advance for a year of service and then complained to the beaureau when the person disappears with their money.

Ask how Much insurance cover they have and if they are bonded.
4 Hot Tips To Protect You From Cowboy Florida Pest Control Companies
Check to see if the vehicle is marked! Bureau regulations require that all sales and service vehicles used for pest control be marked on both sides of the vehicle with the licensee's business name as registered with the Department. Avoid "Under the table payments". Be wary if any person asks you to make your check out to cash or to them personally.  to avoid "taxes" or any other reason, it is illegal. Scrutinise your statements and contact your chosen company office every now and then to check on your balance.It has been known for an employee to begin stealing from a pest control company and not turn in moneys collected on their round.  Pest control companies are required to provide a customer, upon request, the following:
(a) their business name or name of the limited certificateholder
(b) the applicator's ID card number or limited certificate number
(c) the common or brand name of the pesticide used and the common name of the active ingredient in that pesticide
(d) the appropriate safety information pertaining to the pesticide product to be used, as provided on the label for the product. If you heed the above you will get your dream home minus natures squatters!
 
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Orlando Home Values Monthly Report Why You Must Know Current Orlando Home Values

If Buying Orlando Property...You are making a smart move by finding out fl home values for areas you are interested in. Just make sure you get current values and don't restrict yourself from knowing current values when you are actually buying property. Your realtor should perform a comparitive  search for you but it is nice to have your own figures! Knowing what current home values are allows you to ensure you are not being ripped off. We are providing pdf's to download ( no email address required). Our Orlando Property reports offer 2 reportsOne is the  Orlando neighborhood report  this includes, climate, places of worship, employment, school districts and state info.The second is a report covering  home values in Orlando. This  second report will be updated monthly, to help you keep abreast of home prices. if you need a specific zip or area just contact us with the etails and we will  mail it to you. Be sure to be as specific as possible! Download Now!... No Registration Required...Orlando Neighborhood Report- Find out all the important facts you need in a glance, climate, crime, schools and much much more...  Monthly Orlando Home Values Reports
Orlando Home Values December 09- Find out what homes are selling for in Orlando in a quick glance this December.  
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Florida Pet Plan For Hurricanes Your Hurricane Pet Plan During a hurricane you want to ensure the safety of all your loved ones and that includes your pets! Use our Hurricane pet plan to keep them safe and happy...remember this type of incident can be much more stressful for animals than humans! Contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on preparing your pets for an emergency.

BEFORE The Hurricane
Ensure that your pets are up to date on their vaccinations. Note pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.Get a current photographKeep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand for controlling your pet.Get an adequately-sized pet carrier for each animal - carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand  and turn around.Plan your evacuation strategy keeping in mind your pet!  Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives are ALL potential places of shelter for your pet during a hurricane. If you plan to use an animal shelter for your pet - work it into your evacuation route planning.Pet Shelter Requirements Proper identification collar and rabies tag.Proper identification on all belongings.A carrier or cage.A leash.An ample supply of food, water and food bowlsAny necessary medications.Specific care instructions.News papers or trash bags for clean-up.DURING The Hurricane
Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm - reassure them and remain calm.Bear in mind, pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis.  Call ahead and determine availability.
AFTER The HurricaneWalk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - normally familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets may easily be confused and become lost.  Also, downed power lines and reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for pets after a hurricane.If pets cannot be found after a hurricane, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered.  Take along a picture of your pet if possible.After a hurricane animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor their behavior carefully. Please don't forget your pet when preparing a family disaster plan.Suggested Pet Hurricane Supply Kit

• Proper id including immunization records
• Good supply of food and water
• A carrier or cage
• Relevant Current Medications
• Muzzle, collar and leashFema- Animals and Disasters Find Pet Friendly Motels and Hotels  
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Secure Your Florida Home From Huricanes And Tornadoes Florida  Home Protection Tips The most important action you can take to reduce damage to your home and surrounding property from the hurricanes in Florida, is to protect the areas where wind can enter. According to recent wind technology research, it's important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it. You can do this by protecting and reinforcing these five critical areas: RoofStrapsShuttersDoorsGarage DoorsIBHS's instructive pamphlet, "Is Your Home Protected from Hurricane Disaster? -A Homeowner's Guide to Retrofit." will give you excellent tips on these 5 areas of your home.A Good Time To Start Securing/Retrofitting - Your Home A great time is when you are making other improvements or adding an addition.  Remember: building codes reflect the lessons experts have learned from past disasters. Contact your local building code official to find out what requirements are necessary for your home improvement projects.
FLOOD INSURANCE
The National Flood Insurance Program, is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program designed to reduce the rising cost of disasters. It makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners. Get more info here. Note...Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.  Do not make assumptions.  Check your policy!
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Florida Hurricane Supply Kit Get Your Provisions Ready For When Hurricane

Strikes! Florida hurricane season comes round each year like clockwork and claims lives...be prepared this year! Use our hurricane supply kit to get you ready for this season! For more information on hurricane season  etc please visit our Florida Hurricanes page.Your Kit Blankets / Pillows, etc.Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoesFirst Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription DrugsSpecial Items - for babies and the elderlyToiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipesFlashlight / BatteriesRadio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radioTelephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone setCash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periodsKeysToys, Books and GamesImportant documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bagInsurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.Tools - keep a set with you during the stormVehicle fuel tanks filledPet care itemsproper identification / immunization records / medications ample supply of food and water a carrier or cage muzzle and leash 
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Florida Hurricane Family Disaster Plan  Get Your Family Ready For A Florida Hurricane Being prepared for hurricane season is essential. Use this plan to have all the family prepared. For more info on hurricanes and when they strike please visit our Florida Hurricanes page.Your Hurricane Plan Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your local community.Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles.Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.Plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your kids know how and when to call 911.Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Get more info here.Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Hurricane Supply Kit.Use  NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
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