How to Check a Roofer’s License in Florida

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.

In a state like Florida, where roofing scams can pop up faster than summer rain, checking a contractor’s license isn’t just smart, it’s essential. 

But we know the system can be confusing. 

Maybe your contractor says they’re licensed, but you can’t find their name online. 

Or maybe you’re worried they’re borrowing someone else’s license just to close the deal. We’ve seen it all. And when things go sideways, it’s the homeowner who gets stuck with the bill, or worse, denied insurance coverage altogether.

That’s why we put this guide together. We’ll walk you through exactly how to verify a roofer’s license the right way, plus all the red flags, loopholes, and quiet traps nobody else warns you about.

Let’s dig in.

Florida’s Licensing Laws Are Tough, For a Reason

In Florida, a roofing license isn’t just a formality,  it’s your first layer of protection. Here’s why this one check can save you thousands in headaches, legal messes, and regret. A legit license means the roofer passed exams, cleared background checks, and met strict experience and financial standards. 

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. Unlicensed contractors don’t answer to the state. That means no accountability if they disappear halfway through your project. No guarantees. No legal recourse. 

Here’s the law.

Working without a license during a declared state of emergency in Florida is a felony. Yet storm-chasing scammers flood neighborhoods every year, hoping desperate homeowners don’t ask for proof.

In this state, checking a roofer’s license is not optional,  it’s essential.

The Official Way to Check a Roofer’s License in Florida

If there’s one tool every Florida homeowner should know how to use, it’s the state’s online license database. Whether you’re verifying a roofer before hiring or double-checking someone already working on your home, here’s exactly how to get it done.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) oversees roofer licensing in Florida, and their website, MyFloridaLicense.com, is your go-to source for the most accurate info.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to MyFloridaLicense.com: This is the state-run site where all active, suspended, and expired contractor licenses are listed.
2. Choose How You Want to Search. You can search by:

• Contractor’s name
• Company/business name
• License number (if you have it)
• City or county location

3. Review the License Details Carefully. Once you’ve found your contractor:

• Check the status (active, expired, suspended, etc.)
• Look at the expiration date
• Confirm the license type (it should say Certified Roofing Contractor or Registered Roofing Contractor)
• Make sure there are no disciplinary actions listed

4. Match the Name to the Person Doing the Work. Just because someone hands you a license number doesn’t mean they’re the person who owns it.

• Ask for photo ID and verify the name matches the license
• Make sure the person on-site is the license holder or an authorized employee covered under their company

Mobile Apps and Phone Options

If you’re on the go or find the website tricky, there are two other solid ways to verify a license:

1. Use the DBPR Mobile App. Available on Apple and Google Play stores, the DBPR app lets you:

• Search contractor licenses
• Bookmark license holders
• Get real-time updates on license status

2. Call the DBPR Customer Service Line. 

Prefer human 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.

Confirming Insurance and License Match

This is where a lot of homeowners trip up, being licensed does NOT mean the contractor is insured. You need both. Here’s how to check:

1. Ask to See Certificates

• Request proof of both general liability and workers’ comp insurance
• It should be in the contractor’s name, not their “buddy’s” or a rental crew

2. Look at the Permit

• When a permit is pulled, the name on it must match the name on the license
• If it doesn’t, that’s a red flag, they may be using someone else’s license

3. Cross-Check Documents in Real Time

• Don’t be shy about verifying on your phone while they’re in front of you
• Ask for a printed or emailed copy and validate it through the DBPR or insurer directly

Bottom line: If a roofer gets annoyed that you’re checking their license and insurance, walk away. 

Helpful Resource → Florida Roofing Scams: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

What Type of Roofing License Should They Have?

Before you sign anything, take a minute to understand exactly what kind of license your roofer should hold, and what it actually allows them to do.

Certified vs. Registered Roofing Contractors

Florida breaks roofing licenses into two main categories, and each comes with different permissions:

• Certified Roofing Contractor: This license is issued by the state and is valid anywhere in Florida. It’s the gold standard. A certified contractor has passed state exams and can work across county lines without restrictions.
• Registered Roofing Contractor: This license is local, meaning it’s only valid in the city or county where it was issued. These contractors may still be experienced, but if they cross into another jurisdiction, they’re technically working unlicensed.

Make Sure Their License Covers Your Job

This is where things can get tricky. Roofing licenses are specific, not every contractor is qualified to do every kind of roofing work. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. General Contractors ≠ Roofing Contractors

Just because someone is a general contractor doesn’t mean they can legally do roofing work. Florida law is clear: a separate roofing license is required for roof replacements or major repairs. Don’t get talked into “it’s all the same”, it’s not.

2. Specialized Work Requires Specialized Credentials

If your job includes:

• Solar tile installation
• Structural roof repairs (like replacing framing, fascia, or sheathing)
• Flat roof coatings or metal system conversions

Then your roofer must hold additional certifications or be licensed for those specific tasks. Ask for documentation, and verify it.

The wrong license can void your warranty, delay permits, or, worst case, invalidate your insurance claim. 

Red Flags That Scream “Unlicensed”

If you spot any of the following behaviors, hit the brakes. These are classic signs you’re not dealing with a licensed roofing contractor:

1. “I’m working under a friend’s license.” This is illegal. If they’re not listed as an officer or employee of the licensed company, they have no right to operate under that license. 
2. Avoiding Permits: If they say “you don’t need a permit” for a full roof replacement, run. They’re not just cutting corners; they’re putting your entire investment at risk. 
3. Cash-Only Pressure: Licensed professionals don’t mind checks, credit cards, or transparent contracts. If they’re pressuring you to pay in cash or upfront without paperwork, something’s off. 
4. No Record on MyFloridaLicense.com: If you search their name, business, or license number and nothing shows up, it’s because they’re not licensed in Florida. 
5. Expired or Mismatched License Details: Maybe they were licensed, once. But if their license is expired, suspended, or doesn’t match the job scope (like using a general contractor license for a roofing job), that work isn’t legal.

Now, a roofer can be licensed yet not the perfect match for the job. Here’s how to do a thorough background check to ensure you get what you’re worth for your money. 

How to Look Up Complaints, Suspensions, or Legal Issues

In Florida, a license can still be active even if the contractor has been fined, suspended, or hit with serious complaints in the past. 

That’s why checking for legal or disciplinary history is just as important as verifying the license itself. Here’s how to do your homework before you hand over a deposit.

1. Start with the DBPR License Search Tool

When you search a roofer on MyFloridaLicense.com, look beyond the “Active” status. Scroll down to see if there’s a section labeled:

• Disciplinary Action
• Administrative Complaints
• Final Orders

A clean license history is a green flag. If you see repeated issues, even if they’ve been resolved, it’s worth digging deeper.

2. Search Florida Court Records or Clerk of Court Databases

Many legal disputes don’t show up in DBPR records, but they do show up in public court filings. To search:

• Visit your county’s Clerk of Court website (for example, Collier County or Lee County)
• Enter the contractor’s legal name or business name
• Look for civil lawsuits, judgments, or lien claims filed by homeowners

You’ll often uncover red flags like, breach of contract cases, mechanics liens for unpaid subcontractors, small claims suits for incomplete work

3. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The BBB can be a great snapshot of how a roofer handles complaints. Look for:

• A letter grade (A+ to F)
• Number of complaints filed
• Whether the contractor responded or resolved the issue
• Patterns of behavior over time

Even a good roofer can have a complaint, but how they respond says everything.

4. Scan Google and Third-Party Reviews

Type their business name into Google and look beyond the star rating. Read the actual reviews. Pay attention to:

• Repeated issues (missed deadlines, poor cleanup, communication breakdowns)
• Suspiciously generic or overly glowing reviews that may be fake
• Patterns of silence when customers complain publicly

This is necessary because working with the wrong person can cause severe harms to you.

Helpful Resource → How Much Roofers Charge In Florida (2025) | Complete Guide

What Happens If You Hire an Unlicensed Roofer?

Hiring an unlicensed roofer might seem cheaper upfront, but it’s a decision that can cost you big across the board. Here’s why it’s not worth the risk.

1. Insurance Claims Denied

Most insurance companies require a licensed contractor for coverage. If your roofer isn’t licensed, they can deny your claim, leaving you with the full bill.

2. You’re Liable for Injuries

No license often means no insurance. If someone gets hurt on your property, you could be held personally responsible.

3. No Protection from the State

With a licensed roofer, you can file complaints, recover damages, and get help from the DBPR. With an unlicensed one? You’re out of luck.

4. Costly Code Violations

Unlicensed work is usually unpermitted. If inspectors catch it, expect tear-offs, fines, delays, and expensive rework.

4. Stress You Didn’t Sign Up For

Poor work, disappearing contractors, and endless follow-ups take a real toll. It’s more than a money issue, it’s your time, your home, and your peace of mind.

So, don’t get yourself into so much unnecessary trouble to save just a few bucks. 

Do your due diligence and award the project to someone sincere!

Wrapping Up – Still Unsure? Talk to Us Before You Sign

If you’re feeling even a little unsure about the roofer you’re talking to, pause. 

This isn’t a decision you want to rush. A roofing license is more than just a credential; it’s your protection. But understanding what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to verify everything can get overwhelming fast.

That’s where we come in.

Florida Roofing and Gutters offers free license verification and roof inspections so you can make an informed decision without pressure. Whether you’re comparing quotes or just starting your search, we’ll walk you through the essentials

We’ll even sit down with you, or jump on a call, and guide you through the DBPR license check ourselves, step by step.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about landing the job. It’s about helping Florida families feel confident, protected, and respected. And that starts before the first nail ever goes in.

Reach out right away!