“This was supposed to be a dream pool. Now it’s just a mess,” Chris Tontini told 10 Investigates' Jennifer Titus back in May of 2024. “It was supposed to have a been over there with an umbrella.” Tontini was left high and dry by his pool contractor after paying him more than $60,000. Chris had to shell out big bucks to pay another contractor to fix and complete his backyard oasis. “It had to be another $55,000,” Tontini said. It was thousands of dollars Tontini wasn’t expecting to spend when he signed his original contract. “That puts a dent in everything,” Tontini said. But now he’s learned there could be some relief, thanks to the state’s Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund. The fund was set up for those who have suffered damages from the financial mismanagement of a licensed contractor or construction company. If you have signed a construction contract, you may be eligible. “I'm very happy that this was put in place,” Tontini said. “And even better news, this past January, they've increased it.” For homeowners who entered into contracts before July 1, 2016, the fund is restricted to contracts entered into with Division I contractors. A contract by a Division II contractor to install or repair a pool, plumbing or roof, for example, will be eligible for reimbursement from the fund so long as it was executed after July 1, 2016. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, for contracts starting on or after July 1, 2024, payment from the recovery fund is subject to a $100,000 maximum payment for each Division I claim and a $30,000 maximum payment for each Division II claim. So, now you can qualify for up to $30,000 if you were wronged by a pool contractor. Tontini says he could get up to $15,000 since his contract was signed before the change was made. “Yeah. Even if it's $1,000, I'll take it,” Tontini said. He's thankful for anything that will help end the nightmare he went through to finally have his dream pool. “There really needs to be reform in some of the stuff to make sure these contractors are held accountable. But at least with this, there is something to protect the few of us that are,” Tontini said. Homeowners should document everything because that will help the board make a decision on your claim. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/investigations/10-investigates/pool-contractor-scam-contruction-florida-fund-money-back/67-e4022482-3f23-448f-848e-3d3dad918522