How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Florida

To choose a roofing contractor in Florida, start by checking their state license, then confirm insurance, local history, and a written estimate. Most roofing headaches come from skipping one of those steps.

Your roof protects everything under it, so the company you hire matters. This guide walks you through how to check a roofer, what to ask, and the red flags Florida law helps you spot.

Step 1: Check the Florida License

In Florida, roofing work calls for a licensed contractor. State law defines a roofing contractor as someone who installs, repairs, and maintains all kinds of roofing, waterproofing, and coating, plus things like skylights and required roof deck attachments.

There are two main kinds of license:

• Certified contractor: Licensed by the state. Can work anywhere in Florida.
• Registered contractor: Licensed for certain local areas only. Can work only where the local license is valid.

You can look up any Florida contractor's license on the state's website, myfloridalicense.com. Search by name or license number. Make sure the license is current and that the name matches the company on your contract.

Here's a good habit. Ask for the license number before anyone climbs on your roof. A real roofer will hand it over without a second thought.

Step 2: Ask for Proof of Insurance

A roofer should carry insurance. Ask for proof of general liability and workers' comp coverage. Why does this matter to you? If a worker gets hurt on your property or your home gets damaged during the job, you don't want to be stuck with the bill.

Don't just take their word for it. Ask for a copy of the certificate.

Step 3: Look for Local Roots

After a big storm, out of town crews often roll in. Some do fine work. Others leave once the rush is over, and they're hard to find when something goes wrong.

Look for a roofer with a real local office and a long history in your area. Ask how long they've been in business. Check their BBB profile. Look at reviews on more than one site. A company that's been around for decades has a track record you can check.

Step 4: Get a Written Estimate

A good roofer won't give you a price without looking at your roof. Once they do, get the estimate in writing. It should spell out:

• What work will be done
• The materials, including the brand and type of shingle, metal, or tile
• The underlayment they'll use
• How they'll handle rotted decking if they find it
• Who pulls the permit
• Cleanup and debris removal
• The payment schedule

Compare estimates line by line. A bid that's far lower than the rest often means cheaper materials or skipped steps.

Step 5: Know Your Rights on Insurance Jobs

Florida has a law aimed at roofing practices tied to insurance claims. It protects homeowners in a few key ways. Under state law, a contractor can't:

• Offer you cash, gifts, rebates, or a waived deductible in exchange for a roof inspection or for filing a claim
• Pay or accept money for referring jobs that will be paid by insurance
• Interpret your policy or advise you on your coverage, unless they're a licensed public adjuster
• Adjust your claim, unless they're a licensed public adjuster
• Give you an agreement that authorizes repairs without also giving you a good faith estimate

Florida roof contracts also need certain notices in bold print. One tells you to contact your insurance company about coverage before you sign. If your contract is missing the required notice about these practices, you may be able to void it within 10 days of signing.

After a declared state of emergency, there's another protection. If you sign a roof repair or replacement contract within 180 days of the emergency, and your home is in the declared area, you can cancel without penalty within 10 days of signing or the official start date, whichever comes first. The cancellation notice must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or another mail method that gives you proof.

So if a roofer knocks on your door after a storm and promises to cover your deductible, that's a big red flag.

Red Flags to Watch For

• No license number, or a license that doesn't match the company name
• Pressure to sign today
• A price with no inspection
• Offers to pay or waive your deductible
• Cash only or a large payment before any work starts
• No local address or only a cell phone number
• Vague estimates that don't list materials
• Telling you what your policy covers when they aren't a licensed public adjuster

Questions to Ask Before You Hire

• What's your Florida license number?
• Can I see your proof of insurance?
• How long have you been in business here?
• Who will be on my roof, your crew or subcontractors?
• Will you pull the permit?
• What happens if you find rotted wood?
• How do you protect my yard and landscaping?
• Have you worked with insurance adjusters on storm claims?

Pay attention to how they answer. Clear, patient answers are a good sign. Dodging or pushing is not.

Quick FAQ

How many estimates should I get?

Two or three is a good number. That gives you enough to compare without dragging things out.

Should I hire the roofer who knocked on my door?

Be careful. Check their license and look into their history before you sign anything. Never let someone rush you after a storm.

Can a roofer help with my insurance claim?

A roofer can inspect the damage, document it, and meet with your adjuster. But under Florida law, they can't interpret your policy or adjust your claim unless they're a licensed public adjuster. Learn more about our storm damage repair process.

Book a Roof Inspection

Don Schmidt Roofing is a family owned roofer in St. Cloud since 1988. We're licensed and insured, A+ rated with the BBB, and an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor. Our office is at 101 E 13th St, St. Cloud, FL, and we serve St. Cloud, Kissimmee, Orlando, and Osceola County.

Ask us anything on the list above. Book a roof inspection, reach us through our contact page, or call (407) 892-9884.