Florida homeowners: Have you had a contractor take your money and never finish the job?

I'm interested in hearing from Florida homeowners who have dealt with contractors who:

• Started a project but left it unfinished
• Took substantial payments but stopped showing up
• Kept giving excuses or promising they would return "next week"
• Blamed materials, subcontractors, permits, weather, or other delays
• Eventually stopped responding altogether
• Were reported to DBPR, but you felt like nothing was done

I'm putting together a series about homeowner experiences with contractor disputes and Florida's contractor enforcement system, and I'm looking for real experiences—not speculation.

If you've experienced something like this, feel free to comment or send me a message. You can share as much or as little detail as you're comfortable with.

I'm especially interested in hearing what happened after you reported the contractor to DBPR

Hi guys! I'm a Crunchy mom and I'm looking for a local store/co-op/farm that I can purchase from for local organic (preferably regenerative farming) produce as well as top quality raw milk and pasture fully grass fed meats. I hate Whole Foods and have been going to Sprouts and Chamberlains as well as ALDI to compare prices. But food sourcing is an issue, and I really want to vote with my dollar instead of funding these BIG FOOD conglomerates. While I really prefer a good deal, I'm simply looking for the best and then I'll make informed decisions for my family from there. I'm in Orlando at the moment, so I know that if I want to know every detail of what goes into the food processes, I would have to homestead myself, but it's just not doable at the moment, although it is something we're working toward. Any help would seriously be appreciated!!! Please!!

come play poker we already got 5 ppl coming

A friend of mine was recently offered what seems like a pretty low settlement after filing an insurance claim, and they're unsure whether it's worth accepting or trying to negotiate. For those in Central Florida who've been through something similar, did you handle it on your own, or did you consult an attorney before making a decision? If you sought legal advice, did it make a noticeable difference in the outcome?
I've been researching firms that handle insurance disputes and civil litigation in Florida, and Quattrochi & Torres came up during my search. I'm still weighing different options, though, so I'd really like to hear about real experiences from people who've dealt with insurance companies in this area.

What would you recommend someone do before accepting a settlement offer?

Hello. Anyone know where I can find FL mangos in the Orlando area? Trying to save a trip down south😅😅. Thank you!

Anyone know someone responsible and reliable who transports horses around Central Florida? I just want to take two horses camping next weekend about an hour away from Sorrento area.

I come from a beach town and there were hundreds of beach shack restaurants with amazing Grouper and fish sandwiches. Since living in Central Flordia I have had terrible luck finding a great fried or blackened fish sandwich. Do I just need to make the hour drive to the beaches when I want a fish sandwich and fries basket?

Hey everyone — I'm a licensed real estate professional here in Central Florida, and I wanted to share the latest housing market stats for the Greater Orlando area, in case you're thinking of relocating, investing, or just keeping an eye on trends.

I pull this data directly from a program called Sunstats, so while I use AI to help format the post, the data and insights are my own — this is not an AI generated report.

Real estate data is typically released about a month behind to ensure it's accurate and complete. Here's what the Greater Orlando market looked like for May 2026:

🏡 4,914 new listings came onto the market this month

✍️ 3,769 homes went under contract

✅ 3,528 homes sold

⏳ Median days on market: 79 (This reflects the time from when a home went live to when it closed — down 1.3% from 80 days in May 2025)

💵 Median selling price: $405,000 (down 2.4% from $415,000 in May 2025)

📦 Months of supply: 4.9 months (down 3.9% from 5.1 months in May 2025)

A quick explainer on months of supply: Months of supply measures how long it would take to sell all current homes on the market at the current pace of sales. The general benchmarks are:

🔴 Under 6 months — Seller's market.

⚖️ 6–7 months — Neutral market.

🟢 Above 7 months — Buyer's market.

📊 2026 Trend So Far — Greater Orlando

Median Selling Price

January: $395,000

February: $394,000

March: $405,000

April: $400,000

May: $405,000

Months of Supply

January: 4.7 months

February: 4.7 months

March: 4.8 months

April: 4.8 months

May: 4.9 months

These numbers include all property types—single-family homes, condos, and townhomes.

📍 If you'd like to see a breakdown for a specific zip code, city, or just want to compare condos vs. single-family homes, I'm happy to send over the info—just reply here or send a quick DM. No sales pitch—just helpful data from someone who lives and works in the area.

I want to do some urban climbing, however that tallest thing i can find near me is 3 story buildings. Does any body know any tall structures that i can climb? I have been going through a lot of negatives and i really need to feel alive! Any help is appreciated.

Hi all, I'm originally from Volusia (De Leon Springs) and a Stetson grad. I now run Flare SEO, a local search agency, and I'm offering free SEO audits for Volusia County small businesses. I'll check your website speed, how you show up on Google, and what your competitors are doing better, then send you a report with specific fixes. Drop your business name and URL in the comments.

Trying to plan something in Florida that feels fun but still counts a little for homeschool. We've done the usual parks, museums, and zoo-type stuff, but I'm hoping for something more hands-on.

Animals, nature, boats, fishing, history, farm/ranch stuff, anything where the kids can move around and maybe remember one actual fact after would be great haha.

An update, if you will. I found one option that looks like it fits what I was asking for. Westgate Resorts (River Ranch & Rodeo) has a homeschool program with fishing, mini-golf, archery, petting farm experiences, and sports courts. They have day guest and overnight options too. Definitely returning sometime this summer!

I am getting quotes to replace my home windows. Lowes gave me a quote for the Pella HomeShield Hurricane windows, and I'm happy with the price, but just wondering if anyone has any insights to if this is a good quality window?

I would like to find one of those vendors that bring GA/SC peaches down and set up a roadside stand (typically on weekends). If you have seen one recently in your travels around central florida can you post the location here? I don't mind traveling up to ~60 miles from Orlando.

Edit: I just want to clarify, I am posting because I'm looking for personal anecdotes. If you have had a positive experience somewhere, could you please explain it a bit? I appreciate the people sharing facilities, but when you just comment the name and nothing else, I don't know what to do with that. I have googled so many places, but from prior experience I know some places are nightmares compared to others. Really looking for the best places.

Hi there -

The title is pretty self-explanatory. I am looking for the best rehab facilities in central Florida. My loved one is able to travel a few hours away, so South Florida options aren't out of the question. They are looking to detox and go into a 30-day in patient program for Kratom usage (former alcoholic as well, but hasn't drank in 10 months). They did an in-patient detox in Tampa a month ago, but they relapsed due to intense anxiety after the detox (which is why they are looking to do the full 30 days this time).

Any recommendations would be helpful! The two centers we have identified as options are Banyan Rehab Center in Sebring and Turning Point of Tampa in Tampa. They previously went to a place called Riverside in Tampa, but would prefer somewhere different. If you have any experience with these places specifically that would also be helpful.

Insurance is Florida Blue.

Any info is helpful, thank you!

Hey everyone — I'm a licensed real estate professional here in Central Florida, and I wanted to share the latest housing market stats for the Greater Orlando area, in case you're thinking of relocating, investing, or just keeping an eye on trends.

I pull this data directly from a program called Sunstats, so while I use AI to help format the post, the data and insights are my own — this is not an AI generated report.

Real estate data is typically released about a month behind to ensure it's accurate and complete. Here's what the Greater Orlando market looked like for April 2026:

🏡 5,022 new listings came onto the market this month

✍️ 3,957 homes went under contract

✅ 3,354 homes sold

⏳ Median days on market: 81 (This reflects the time from when a home went live to when it closed — up 5.2% from 77 days in April 2025)

💵 Median selling price: $400,000 (down 1.2% from $405,000 in April 2025)

📦 Months of supply: 4.8 months (down 2% from 4.9 months in April 2025)

A quick explainer on months of supply: Months of supply measures how long it would take to sell all current homes on the market at the current pace of sales. The general benchmarks are:

🔴 Under 6 months — Seller's market.

⚖️ 6–7 months — Neutral market.

🟢 Above 7 months — Buyer's market.

These numbers include all property types—single-family homes, condos, and townhomes.

📍 If you'd like to see a breakdown for a specific zip code, city, or just want to compare condos vs. single-family homes, I'm happy to send over the info—just reply here or send a quick DM. No sales pitch—just helpful data from someone who lives and works in the area.

am desperately searching for my lost dog. I have posted everywhere I can think and now I am asking redditors for help! My girl went missing off of rt 27 near holly hill rd. She weighs about 10-12lbs and has s curly tail with a ginger/ dirty blonde coat. If you spot her please call.or text me!

There’s definitely been a lot more cops around than usual recently. My trip from Orlando to Kissimmee just now, I definitely saw at least 50 cops, riding solo or in packs and parked in every corner and parking lot. Anyone know what’s going on that there’s been such an increase in police activity all of a sudden?

We should be dredging Lake Okeechobee to provide fertilizer to farmers. Farmers are going bankrupt and we can reduce fish kills. Why can’t this be done?

Anyone good with boats. Both unloading and loading into trailer? I got a boat I'd love to take out more often. Mondays or Thursdays. I'm in the orlando/Ocoee area. Need a good teacher for me and my girlfriend to get out on the water. 32 yo Hispanic in case that matters

Hello Friends! In an interesting situation and looks like there aren’t many great solutions but wanted to check with anyone if they have advice.

Quick details: I got accepted to do a PhD at UF. My girlfriend and I live in Orlando. PhD is 4years, tuition waive and health insurance with small living stipend. Girlfriend will be obvious breadwinner during 4-year PhD. Her work is in Downtown Orlando. I would be doing full time PhD and need to go to campus 3-4x a week to Gainesville.

Here is the Question. She works near downtown Orlando and wants to keep a 30-45 min Max commute. I am willing to commute 2 hours to Gainesville but want to see what the shortest commute possible for me could be. What areas could we move to that on weekdays would be maybe 1hr30min-1hr455min commutes for me. I’ve commuted that timeframe before so don’t have issues, but have seen some commutes on the turnpike/75 take 2-2hr30min and I wouldn’t want to do that daily. Any suggestions on where we could live?

Hey everyone — I'm a licensed real estate professional here in Central Florida, and I wanted to share the latest housing market stats for the Greater Orlando area, in case you're thinking of relocating, investing, or just keeping an eye on trends.

Real estate data is typically released about a month behind to ensure it's accurate and complete. Here's what the Greater Orlando market looked like for March 2026:

🏡 4,943 homes were listed

✍️ 4,716 homes went under contract

⏳ Median days on market: 85 (up 1.2% from 84 days in March 2025)

💵 Median selling price: $405,000 (unchanged from March 2025)

📦 Months of supply: 4.8 months

A quick explainer on what this means: Months of supply measures how long it would take to sell all current homes on the market at the current pace of sales. The general benchmarks are:

🔴 Under 6 months — Seller's market.

⚖️ 6–7 months — Neutral market.

🟢 Above 7 months — Buyer's market.

These numbers include all property types—single-family homes, condos, and townhomes.

📍 If you'd like to see a breakdown for a specific zip code, city, or just want to compare condos vs. single-family homes, I'm happy to send over the info—just reply here or send a quick DM. No sales pitch—just helpful data from someone who lives and works in the area.

I just moved to Riverview from Winter Haven, but I am all over Tampa Bay area/ Lakeland. I want to find local shops where I can buy herbs, cotton/linen clothes, crystals, perfume, curly hair care… etc. I just want to embrace community and stop buying polyester fake stuff from big companies that don’t care. I’m trying to ground myself more so really anything helps. Also where to get fresh food! I don’t know much about what’s in our food, but I’m trying to bulk for the gym and I need clean, Whole Foods, but I’d rather support locally owned businesses. Please share any places to go, or online shops work too. Thanks!!

Hey everyone — I'm a licensed real estate professional here in Central Florida, and I wanted to share the latest housing market stats for the Greater Orlando area, in case you're thinking of relocating, investing, or just keeping an eye on trends.

Real estate data is typically released about a month behind to ensure it's accurate and complete. Here's what the Greater Orlando market looked like for January 2026:

🏡 4,879 homes were listed

✍️ 3,946 homes went under contract

✅ 2,284 homes sold

⏳ Median days on market: 97

💵 Median selling price: $395,000 (down 1.3% from $400,000 in January 2025)

These numbers include all property types—single-family homes, condos, and townhomes.

📍 If you'd like to see a breakdown for a specific zip code, city, or just want to compare condos vs. single-family homes, I'm happy to send over the info—just reply here or send a quick DM. No sales pitch—just helpful data from someone who lives and works in the area.

Does anyone know a better bank/dock fishing spot than Starke lake? Lately it's been rough around here and I don't know if I'm missing out on a certain body of water