Florida roofing law: checks before you sign
Before signing, use Florida law on roofing as a reason to verify the roofer's license, compare written terms, and confirm the permit plan. The condition that matters most is that the license number and legal business name match the company that will hold the contract and be responsible for the work.12
What do Florida roofing laws say about licenses?
Request the company’s license number and legal business name before you sign.
Florida law says contracts by unlicensed contractors are unenforceable by the contractor.1
DBPR says to verify a license number before signing.2
Check the license number through DBPR, then confirm that it matches the company asking you to sign, especially when a salesperson, subcontractor, or another business name is involved.
Find out who will hold the contract and be responsible for the work.
If the name, contact details, or license information do not line up, pause before agreeing to the work.
Who will pull the permit?
Put the permit responsibility in the written agreement.
A permit is required before repairing or altering a building in Florida.3
Identify which business will handle the permit and whether the contract scope matches the work listed on it.
What offers should I avoid?
Review promotions involving money, gifts, or promises to cover costs.
Florida bars roofers from offering gifts, cash, or deductible waivers for a roof inspection or an insurance claim.4
Focus on the roof work, written scope, permit plan, and contract terms.
Get any offer in writing before deciding.
Does the written roof scope match the work?
Make the proposal specific.
Decide whether the work calls for a tear-off or another approach. Florida’s code requires tear-off when a roof already has two or more layers.5
Have the company identify the area of the roof included in the work. Florida’s code limits repairs to 25% of a roof or roof section in any 12 months unless the whole roof or section meets current code.56
Confirm which Florida Building Code edition the company expects to use for your project.
The 8th Edition Florida Building Code took effect December 31, 2023, and the 9th takes effect December 31, 2026.78
The written scope can state materials, roof areas, flashing work, cleanup, and exclusions.
Put changes in writing.
How do I compare written quotes?
Compare quotes for the same work.
Look for differences in scope, permit responsibility, materials, roof areas, tear-off language, cleanup, and exclusions.
A lower total may reflect a different scope rather than the same work at a different price.
Ask each company to explain any difference in writing.
FAQ
What should I check before I sign with a Florida roofer?
Verify the license number through DBPR and match it to the legal business name of the company that will hold the contract.12
Who is responsible for the permit?
Ask which business will pull the permit and put that responsibility in the written agreement. A permit is required before repairing or altering a building in Florida.3
Can a roofer offer to pay my deductible?
No. Florida bars gifts, cash, and deductible waivers connected to a roof inspection or insurance claim.4
When does Florida code require a tear-off?
A tear-off is required when a roof already has two or more layers.5
How Howe.to can help
You answer a few questions, see the named roofing companies for your area, and choose which ones may contact you about roofing. Howe.to is not a contractor. It does not vet partners, confirm their credentials, or promise their work, so use these checks with any company.