How to Choose a Roofer in Florida: Complete Checklist

Florida requires roofers to hold a valid contractor's license. Never work with an unlicensed roofer.

How to Verify

• Visit myfloridalicense.com
• Search by the roofer's name or license number
• Verify the license is active and in good standing
• Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints

What to Look For

• Active Status: License should be current and active
• Proper Classification: Should be licensed for roofing work specifically
• No Violations: Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints
• Business Match: License should match the business name you're working with

Red Flag: If a roofer can't or won't provide their license number, walk away immediately.

Proper insurance protects you from liability. Always verify coverage before work begins.

Required Insurance Types

• Liability Insurance: Protects you if the roofer causes damage to your property
• Workers' Compensation: Protects you if a worker is injured on your property

How to Verify

• Request certificates of insurance directly from the insurance company
• Don't accept copies or verbal assurances
• Verify coverage amounts are adequate (typically $1 million+ liability)
• Confirm policies are current and not expired

Why It Matters

Without proper insurance, you could be held liable for:

• Property damage caused during installation
• Medical bills if a worker is injured
• Legal costs from lawsuits

Red Flag: Any roofer who can't provide proof of insurance or asks you to "waive" insurance requirements should be avoided.

Local reputation tells you how the roofer treats customers and the quality of their work.

Where to Check

• Google Reviews: Read recent reviews and look for patterns
• Better Business Bureau: Check BBB rating and complaint history
• Angie's List / HomeAdvisor: Review ratings and feedback
• Local References: Ask for and contact local references
• Social Media: Check Facebook and other platforms for customer feedback

What to Look For

• Overall rating of 4+ stars
• Recent positive reviews (within last 6-12 months)
• Responses to negative reviews (shows engagement)
• Photos of completed work
• Mention of specific projects in your area

Red Flags

• No online presence or very few reviews
• Multiple recent complaints
• Unresolved BBB complaints
• Reviews mentioning unprofessional behavior or poor workmanship

Always get at least 2-3 estimates to compare pricing, scope, and professionalism.

What Each Estimate Should Include

• Detailed breakdown of work to be performed
• Materials to be used (brand, type, specifications)
• Labor costs
• Permit fees
• Disposal costs
• Timeline for completion
• Warranty information
• Payment schedule

Comparing Estimates

Don't just compare total cost—compare:

• Scope of Work: Are all estimates covering the same work?
• Materials: Are they using the same quality materials?
• Warranties: What's covered and for how long?
• Timeline: When can they start and finish?
• Professionalism: How did they present themselves and the estimate?

Beware of Extremely Low Bids

If one estimate is significantly lower than others, ask why. Extremely low bids may indicate:

• Cutting corners on materials or labor
• Lack of proper insurance or licensing
• Hidden costs that will appear later
• Insufficient experience or expertise

Prepare questions to ask every roofer you're considering:

Experience and Expertise

• How long have you been in business?
• How many roofs have you installed in Florida?
• Are you trained on the specific materials you'll be using?
• Do you have experience with my type of roof/property?

Project Details

• How long will the project take?
• Will you handle permits and inspections?
• What happens if there's bad weather during installation?
• Who will be on-site supervising the work?
• What's your cleanup process?

Materials and Installation

• What specific materials will you use (brand, model, specifications)?
• What underlayment and moisture barriers will be installed?
• How do you ensure code compliance?
• What installation methods do you use?

Warranties and Protection

• What warranties come with materials?
• What workmanship warranty do you provide?
• How do I file a warranty claim if needed?
• Are warranties transferable if I sell my home?

Business Practices

• Do you use subcontractors, and if so, are they licensed and insured?
• What's your payment schedule?
• Do you provide lien waivers?
• How do you handle change orders?

Protect yourself with proper payment terms:

Standard Payment Schedule

Typical payment schedules for roofing projects:

• Deposit: 10-30% upon contract signing (never pay 50%+ upfront)
• Progress Payments: Payments tied to completion milestones
• Final Payment: 10-20% upon completion and final inspection

Red Flags in Payment Terms

• Requesting 50% or more upfront
• Demanding full payment before work begins
• Cash-only payments (difficult to track and prove)
• Pressure to sign quickly with "limited time" offers
• Requests to pay directly to suppliers instead of the contractor

Protect Yourself

• Get everything in writing
• Use checks or credit cards (creates paper trail)
• Never pay in full before work is complete
• Get lien waivers with each payment
• Keep all receipts and documentation

If you're installing specific materials (like stone-coated metal roofing), ensure the roofer has expertise:

Manufacturer Training

• Ask if they're manufacturer-certified or trained
• Request proof of training or certification
• Check if they're authorized dealers/installers

Product Knowledge

• Can they explain the product benefits and features?
• Do they understand installation requirements?
• Are they familiar with warranty terms?

RIF-Certified Roofers

RIF-certified roofers are:

• Trained on specific stone-coated metal roofing systems
• Vetted for quality and professionalism
• Held to higher installation standards
• Part of a network with distributor-level material pricing

Find RIF-certified roofers in your area through our roofer directory.

Never sign a contract without reading it thoroughly:

What Should Be Included

• Complete description of work to be performed
• Materials specifications (brand, model, color, etc.)
• Total cost and payment schedule
• Start and completion dates
• Warranty information
• Permit responsibility
• Cleanup and disposal
• What happens if problems arise

Red Flags in Contracts

• Vague descriptions of work
• Blank spaces or "TBD" items
• Unreasonable cancellation clauses
• Waivers of your rights
• Requests to sign over insurance benefits

Get Everything in Writing

Verbal promises don't count. If a roofer makes a promise, get it in writing. This includes:

• Specific materials and brands
• Warranty terms
• Timeline commitments
• Any special considerations or guarantees

Recognize these red flags and walk away:

Immediate Red Flags

• Unlicensed or can't provide license number
• No insurance or can't provide proof
• Door-to-door solicitation after storms
• Pressure tactics or "limited time" offers
• Requests for large upfront payments
• Out-of-state license plates and temporary presence
• Unwillingness to provide references
• Vague or evasive answers to questions

Storm Chaser Warning Signs

After major storms, be especially wary of:

• Roofers showing up uninvited
• Claims that "insurance will pay for everything"
• Offers to handle insurance claims for you
• Requests to sign over insurance benefits
• Inability to provide local business history
• Pressure to sign contracts immediately

Legitimate roofers don't need to pressure you. Take your time, do your research, and choose carefully.