Don’t Get Scammed: Your Essential Guide to Verifying Your Roofer’s License and Insurance in Florida

Florida homeowners face unique challenges when it comes to roofing contractors. With the state’s frequent storms, hurricanes, and year-round construction activity, both legitimate contractors and scammers are active throughout the year. Roof scams are especially prevalent after hurricanes in Florida, when homeowners are desperate to make quick repairs, with traveling roofing teams showing up in neighborhoods right after a big storm. Protecting yourself starts with one crucial step: verifying your contractor’s license and insurance before signing any agreement.

Why Licensing and Insurance Matter

The state of Florida requires all roofing contractors to have a license. This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s your protection as a homeowner. Licensed contractors have demonstrated their knowledge and ability to perform roofing tasks safely and effectively, while licensing provides a layer of protection for consumers by holding contractors to professional standards.

The consequences of hiring an unlicensed contractor extend far beyond poor workmanship. If your roofer isn’t licensed and something goes wrong, your insurance company can, and often will, deny your claim—it’s not worth the gamble. Additionally, as the homeowner, you are responsible if someone is injured while working on your home and the contractor is not insured.

How to Verify a Contractor’s License

The best way to check a roofer’s license in Florida is by using MyFloridaLicense.com—it’s the state’s official database where you can verify license status, expiration dates, and disciplinary history, all in one place, and completely free to use.

Here’s your step-by-step verification process:

• In Florida, go to MyFloridaLicense.com, a database managed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional regulation
• Enter the contractor’s name, the company name, or the license number to find out if the roofing contractor is licensed. To search the database by name in Florida, you can enter the contractor’s name or the company name
• The website will provide information on the contractor’s license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions taken against them

For additional help, call (850) 487-1395 to speak with someone directly. They’ll help you verify licenses, explain license types, and flag any disciplinary history you should know about.

Understanding Florida Roofing License Types

There are two types of roofing licenses in Florida: Certified Roofing Contractor and Registered Roofing Contractor. A Certified Roofing Contractor is allowed to work anywhere in the state, while a Registered Roofing Contractor is limited to working in a specific geographic area.

To meet the experience requirements for a state Certified Roofing Contractor license, it will take at least four years, ensuring contractors have substantial experience before they can work independently.

Verifying Insurance Coverage

Licensing is only half the equation. Being licensed does NOT mean the contractor is insured. You need both. Florida contractors should carry two essential types of insurance:

• General Liability Insurance: This protects your property from accidental damage that may occur during the roofing process. Coverage minimums may vary, but higher coverage such as $1 million or more is ideal for broader peace of mind
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Essential for any contractor with employees, this shields homeowners from responsibility should a worker be injured on-site

To verify insurance:

• Always ask for up-to-date certificates of insurance. Do not accept verbal assurances
• Ask the roofer for proof of insurance and call the insurance company. When you get an estimate for your roof, ask the estimator for their certificate of insurance. Then, call the insurance company to inquire about the insurance policy
• The certificate will list the agent or company. A quick call can verify the policy’s validity and coverage period

Red Flags to Avoid

Florida’s unique climate makes it a target for roofing scams. Watch for these warning signs:

• Upfront Payment Demands: Some scammers ask for a large deposit or even full payment before any work begins. Legitimate roofers typically ask for a reasonable down payment, but never the full amount upfront. Once they have all your money, dishonest contractors might disappear or do a poor job
• Unsolicited offers: If a contractor shows up at your door without you asking for help, especially after a storm, be cautious. They may promise quick repairs but could disappear once they get your money
• Lack of License and Insurance: Florida law requires roofers to have specific licenses. Always check a roofer’s license online and ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If they dodge these requests or say it’s “not necessary,” that’s a big warning sign
• Questions about your homeowners insurance policy or insisting they can get you a “free roof” are also signs of a scam

Working with Reputable Local Contractors

When searching for a reliable roofer broward county residents can trust, look for established local companies with strong community ties. Aastro Roofing Company exemplifies what to look for in a legitimate contractor. Operating with full credentials and insurance, they offer protection and assurance in their services. Centrally located in Deerfield Beach, Aastro Roofing Company is managed and operated by family members with a vested interest in their company’s success and the satisfaction of their customers. Their family-oriented approach ensures personalized service and attention to detail.

The company demonstrates the transparency you should expect from any contractor: honest costs with no hidden fees, so you’ll know exactly how much your investment is worth, and constant communication to keep you updated on each step throughout the process.

Taking Action Against Fraud

If you encounter a fraudulent contractor, don’t stay silent. If you or someone you know have been a victim of contractor fraud, contact the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division to report the incident. Contractor fraud is illegal and can lead to an arrest and prosecution.

You can also file a complaint with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation if the contractor was licensed. If they weren’t licensed, that’s yet another issue to bring up with the authorities.

Protecting Your Investment

Your roof represents one of your home’s most significant investments. Hiring a bad roofer can cost tens of thousands of dollars of repairs in the long run. By taking the time to verify licenses and insurance, you’re not just protecting your property—you’re ensuring that the work will be completed to professional standards and that you’ll have recourse if something goes wrong.

Remember, if a roofer gets annoyed that you’re checking their license and insurance, walk away. A legitimate contractor will welcome your due diligence and readily provide all necessary documentation.

The few extra minutes spent verifying credentials can save you thousands of dollars and months of headaches. In Florida’s challenging climate, your home deserves protection from both the elements and unscrupulous contractors.