How to Hire a Licensed Roofer in Florida

Short answer: in Florida, hire a roofer with an active state roofing license, which you can look up on the DBPR website (myfloridalicense.com). They should also have liability insurance and workers' compensation, pull the permit for your job, and give you a detailed written contract. Never sign on the spot after a storm.

1. Check the license

Florida licenses roofing contractors through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). A roofer is either state-certified (license numbers starting with CCC, valid statewide) or registered (starting with RC, valid only in the local areas where they hold a competency license). Search the name or license number on myfloridalicense.com and make sure it's active and matches the company on your contract.

2. Ask for insurance

Ask for certificates of general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If a worker without coverage gets hurt on your roof, you don't want that to become your problem.

3. Make sure there's a permit

A re-roof in Florida needs a building permit and inspections. A licensed roofer pulls the permit in their own name. If someone asks you to pull it as an owner-builder, that's a red flag.

4. Protect yourself from liens

Under Florida's construction lien law, suppliers and subcontractors who aren't paid can file a lien on your home even if you paid the roofer. Ask for a final release of lien from the roofer and their main suppliers before your last payment. For larger jobs, a Notice of Commencement is filed with the county.

5. Know the rules on storm chasers

• Florida law bars roofing contractors from offering gifts or incentives to get you to file an insurance claim, and from offering to pay or waive your deductible.
• A roofer can't negotiate your insurance claim for you unless they're also a licensed public adjuster.
• For policies issued since January 1, 2023, Florida no longer allows assignment of benefits (AOB) on residential property insurance, so be wary of anyone asking you to sign your claim over to them.

6. Get a detailed written contract

It should list the roof system and brand, tear-off, deck repair pricing, secondary water barrier, permit and inspections, cleanup, the timeline, the payment schedule and both the manufacturer's and the roofer's workmanship warranty. See 10 questions to ask a roofer before you sign.

FAQ

Where can I find licensed roofers in Florida?

See roofers in Florida on Roofers Directory, compare reviews, and request quotes from up to three at once.

Should I hire a roofer who knocks on my door after a hurricane?

Be careful. Check the license on myfloridalicense.com, ask for insurance and a local address, read reviews, and never sign the same day.

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