How to Tell If a Florida Roofer Is Actually Legal (Before You Give Them a Dime)

Every year after hurricane season, Jacksonville neighborhoods get flooded with trucks from out of state. Some of these contractors are legitimate. Many are not.

In 2023 alone, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) took action against hundreds of unlicensed contractors operating in the state. Many of these were "storm chasers" who showed up after hurricanes, collected deposits, and either did terrible work or disappeared entirely.

The good news? Checking a Florida roofing contractor's license takes less than 5 minutes. Here's exactly how to do it,and why it matters more than you might think.

Why Florida Roofing Licenses Matter

In Florida, roofing is a regulated trade. This isn't just bureaucracy,it's protection. To be a legitimate roofing contractor license Florida holder, a contractor must:

• Pass a state competency exam covering roofing techniques, safety, and building codes
• Demonstrate financial responsibility (proof they can complete jobs)
• Carry workers' compensation insurance (or have an exemption)
• Carry general liability insurance
• Register with the DBPR and maintain active status

When you hire an unlicensed contractor, you're not just risking shoddy work. You're potentially liable if a worker gets injured on your property, you have no recourse if the job goes wrong, and your homeowner's insurance may not cover any resulting damage.

Step 1: Get Their License Number

A legitimate contractor will have their license number on their truck, business card, and contract. In fact, Florida law requires contractors to include their license number on all advertising.

Florida roofing licenses come in two types:

• CCC (Certified Roofing Contractor): Can work anywhere in Florida. This is a state-level certification that requires passing the state exam.
• RC (Registered Roofing Contractor): Licensed in a specific county or jurisdiction. Must meet local requirements and register with the state.

If a contractor can't immediately provide their license number, that's your first red flag. Don't accept excuses like "it's on file at the office" or "I'll get it to you later."

Step 2: Verify on the DBPR Website

Once you have the license number, verify it's real and active:

1. Go to MyFloridaLicense.com
2. Click "Verify a License"
3. Enter the license number (or search by business name)
4. Review the results carefully

Here's what to look for:

• License Status: Must say "Current, Active." Anything else (Delinquent, Suspended, Revoked) means they cannot legally perform roofing work.
• License Type: Should be "Roofing Contractor" (not general contractor or handyman)
• Qualifier Name: The person who actually holds the license. Some companies employ a licensed "qualifier" while owners aren't licensed themselves,this is legal but worth knowing.
• Workers' Comp Status: Shows whether they carry workers' comp or have an exemption

Step 3: Verify Their Insurance

A license alone isn't enough. You need to verify insurance coverage as well.

Ask the contractor for:

• Certificate of Insurance (COI): A document from their insurance company showing current coverage
• General Liability Insurance: Minimum $300,000, but $1 million is better. This covers damage to your property.
• Workers' Compensation: Covers injuries to workers. If they claim an "exemption," verify it on the DBPR site.

Critical step: Don't just look at the certificate. Call the insurance company directly and verify the policy is current. Contractors have been known to let policies lapse after getting the certificate.

Step 4: Check for Complaints

Even licensed contractors can have problematic histories. Check multiple sources:

• DBPR License Search: Shows any disciplinary actions against the license
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check for complaints and resolution history
• Google Reviews: Look for patterns in negative reviews (especially about unfinished work or billing issues)
• Florida Attorney General: Maintains a database of consumer complaints

Red Flags That Scream "Unlicensed"

Beyond verification, watch for these warning signs:

• Door-to-door solicitation after storms: Legitimate local contractors usually don't need to knock on doors
• Out-of-state license plates: Storm chasers often come from other states
• Pressure to sign immediately: "This price is only good today"
• Requests for large upfront deposits: Florida law limits deposits to 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) unless materials need to be ordered
• No physical business address: Just a P.O. box or "we work out of our trucks"
• Cash-only requests: Legitimate businesses accept multiple payment methods
• No written contract: Florida law requires written contracts for home improvement work over $2,500

What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?

The consequences can be severe:

• No legal recourse: Contracts with unlicensed contractors may be unenforceable
• Personal liability: If a worker is injured, you could be held responsible
• Insurance issues: Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims related to unlicensed work
• Permit problems: Work done without permits (unlicensed contractors can't pull permits) creates issues when you sell
• Quality issues: No oversight, no standards, no accountability

The 5-Minute Verification Checklist

Before signing anything, complete these checks:

1. Get license number from contractor
2. Verify at MyFloridaLicense.com (status: Current, Active)
3. Confirm business name matches
4. Request Certificate of Insurance
5. Call insurance company to verify current coverage
6. Check BBB and Google reviews for patterns

This takes less than 5 minutes and can save you thousands of dollars and endless headaches.

Need Help Choosing a Contractor?

At Gimo's Roofing, we're fully licensed (Florida License #CCC1332453), insured, and happy to provide verification. We've been serving Jacksonville homeowners for over 24 years and understand why trust matters.

Whether you need a complete roof replacement, roof repair, or just want an honest inspection, we're here to help. Call (904) 606-5313 for a free estimate from a contractor you can verify.

Not sure what questions to ask during your estimate? Check out our guide on 10 questions to ask your roofing contractor.