How to Pick a Roofer in Florida | Green & Red Flags
May 03, 2025The best way to pick a roofer in Florida? Hire a local pro with deep roots, proper licenses, solid warranties, and zero pressure tactics. Look for someone who inspects thoroughly, communicates clearly, and treats your home like their own, because cheap mistakes here cost big later.
If you’ve ever had to deal with a leaky roof in the middle of a Florida thunderstorm, you know the feeling, panic, confusion, maybe even a bit of anger.
One moment everything’s fine, and the next you’re desperately putting buckets on the floor.
Too many people think roofing is just shingles and nails.
But in Florida, it’s code enforcement, storm prep, insurance red tape, and knowing the difference between a patch job and real protection.
We know firsthand how fast things can go sideways when your roof fails. And how easy it is to get burned by the wrong contractor.
So if you’re wondering how to actually pick a roofer without getting ripped off or ghosted halfway, this article’s for you. It’s not a sales pitch.
Simple honest answers on how to pick a roofer and get your roof done right.
The 11 Green Flags of a Top-Notch Florida Roofer
Hiring a roofer shouldn’t feel like a gamble.
You deserve someone who’s qualified, consistent, and committed, not someone who’s here for a quick buck and a disappearing act.
Below are 11 signs you’ve found a roofer you can trust in Florida.
1. State License, Liability, and Workers’ Comp Insurance
First things first, if they’re not licensed and insured, they’re not even in the game.
Florida law requires roofing contractors to carry a state license, general liability insurance, and workers’ comp.
Visit the Florida DBPR website and search their license by name or company to verify the roofer.
if a roofer without proper insurance gets hurt on your property, you could be liable. That’s not just risky, it’s financially devastating.
2. Local Business Address and 5+ Years in Florida
Florida’s got its share of “storm chasers”, out-of-state crews who show up after hurricanes and vanish just as fast.
We’ve met homeowners who hired these guys, only to realize months later that the “lifetime warranty” meant nothing when the phone number was disconnected and the LLC had dissolved.
Green flag? A company with a real address in your city, an actual presence in the community, and several years of service in Florida’s climate, not just roofing experience in general.
3. Manufacturer Certifications (e.g., GAF, CertainTeed)
Being certified by GAF, CertainTeed, or Owens Corning means your roofer isn’t just winging it, they’ve completed factory training and are qualified to install those products the right way.
More importantly, certified contractors can offer extended warranties that non-certified roofers can’t. We’re talking up to 50 years in coverage in some cases.
4. In-House Crews vs. Subcontractors
Here’s an industry secret: a lot of roofing companies don’t have actual roofing crews.
They just sell the job and then farm it out to the lowest-bidding subcontractor.
That’s when you get inconsistent work, cut corners, and surprise issues like, “Sorry, we ran out of your shingle color.”
5. Real Reviews from Real People
Be watchful of the reviews of the company under question. If every review looks like it was written by the same person, or they’re all from the past two weeks, proceed with caution.
What to look for: Verified Google reviews with photos, details about the process, and recurring themes like great communication, cleanup, or responsiveness.
Green flag? A trail of honest, detailed reviews going back years.
6. Detailed Scope of Work, Not Just a Quote
If the quote says “roof replacement – $14,200,” and that’s it… run.
A trustworthy roofer will break down exactly what’s included: type of underlayment (peel-and-stick or felt?), flashing details, ventilation strategy, cleanup plan, warranty terms, and more.
You don’t just need a price, you need a plan. Because the fine print is where good jobs turn into nightmares.
7. They Actually Listen to You
Roofing isn’t a one-size-fits-all service.
A real pro asks about your concerns, inspects the attic, and explains why a certain option makes sense for your home. The best clients we’ve worked with are the ones who feel heard. And the best roofers? They start by listening.
If your roofer is rushing, interrupting, or acting like you’re just the next contract, trust your gut and move on.
8. Upfront about Warranty Terms
Some roofers toss around words like “lifetime warranty” without explaining the fine print. You need to know:
- Is this a labor warranty or just materials?
- What voids it?
- What happens if the company shuts down?
Because you shouldn’t need a lawyer to get what you were promised.
9. Offers Financing, But Doesn’t Push It
Financing can be helpful, especially for large jobs.
But if your roofer leads with “Only $99/month!” before even inspecting your roof, it’s a red flag. Great roofers use financing as a tool, not a pressure tactic.
Florida Roofing & Gutters offers financing through Sunlight Financial
10. Walks You Through Insurance, Not Around It
Insurance claims in Florida are complicated. You need a roofer who understands both the retail and insurance game, and can guide you through without crossing legal lines.
If a contractor won’t touch insurance at all, or promises the moon with no paperwork, you’re on the wrong path.
11. Leaves the Site Cleaner Than They Found It
You just spent thousands on a new roof, the last thing you want is to be dodging nails in your driveway or finding cigarette butts in your garden.
Cleanup isn’t optional. It’s part of the job.
Helpful Resource → How Much Roofers Charge In Florida (2025) | Complete Guide
8 Red Flags That Scream “Find Another Roofer”
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There are many roofers waiting to take shortcuts, skirt the law, or flat-out take your money and disappear.
If you spot any of these red flags, don’t ignore them. Walk away, close the tab, hang up the phone; whatever it takes. Your roof isn’t worth the risk.
1. Demands Full Payment Before Starting
No legit contractor should ask for the full amount upfront.
A reasonable deposit, typically 10% to 30%, is standard. But paying everything before the first shingle is touched? That’s a recipe for ghosting.
If someone pressures you to pay in full right away, there’s a good chance you’ll never see them (or your money) again.
2. Avoids Answering Questions in Writing
Verbal promises mean nothing if there’s no paper trail. If your roofer won’t email you the scope of work, warranty details, or price breakdown, ask yourself why.
3. Refuses to Show Proof of Insurance
You ask, they dodge. You ask again, and they “forgot it at the office.” That’s not forgetfulness, that’s avoidance.
Without general liability and workers’ comp insurance, you could be on the hook for accidents or property damage. Always ask to see current certificates. A pro has them ready to send.
4. Doesn’t Explain Materials in the Contract
If your contract says “roof replacement” but doesn’t say what kind of underlayment, flashing, or shingles will be used, you’re at risk of getting bottom-of-the-barrel materials.
And once it’s installed, you won’t know until it fails.
A good roofer will walk you through your options, explain why certain materials matter in Florida’s climate, and spell it out in the contract so there’s no confusion later.
5. Shows Up Right After a Storm Uninvited
This one hits close to home. After every major storm, our area gets flooded with pop-up roofing companies offering fast, “free” repairs. They go door-to-door or leave flyers promising quick fixes and deep discounts.
But here’s what they don’t say: they’re not licensed here, they’re using out-of-state crews, and they’re gone before the warranty even kicks in.
If someone shows up uninvited after a storm, take their card and do your research, don’t sign anything on the spot.
6. “We Can Waive Your Deductible” Pitch
Sounds good, right? Less out of pocket?
Wrong. In Florida, waiving deductibles is illegal, and it could get you into serious legal trouble. Plus, it’s usually a cover for billing your insurance company more than the job is worth (a.k.a. fraud).
No ethical roofer makes this offer. Ever.
7. Has No Physical Address
A PO Box or vague “serving your area” is not enough. You need to know where the business actually operates, because if anything goes wrong, you need to be able to find them.
A physical office means accountability. No address? No deal.
8. Their Contract Doesn’t Include a Lien Waiver
Here’s something most homeowners don’t think about: if your roofer hires a subcontractor or supplier and doesn’t pay them, that person can file a lien against your house, even if you paid the roofer in full.
A lien waiver protects you. It says the roofer will handle all payments and that no one else can come after your property for unpaid work.
No lien waiver in your contract? That’s a big, red flag waving in the wind.
So, you know the red flags to avoid.
Now let’s arm you with the right questions to ask so you can spot a solid roofer from the jump.
Helpful Resource → Florida Roofing Scams: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
10 Smart Questions to Ask Any Roofer in Florida
Choosing a roofer isn’t about luck, it’s about asking the right questions. These ten will help you spot the pros and dodge the pretenders.
1. “How long have you been licensed in this county?”
Florida roofing codes vary by county. Local experience means smoother inspections and no permit surprises.
2. “Do you pull the permit, or do I?”
The roofer should always pull the permit. If they ask you to, they’re either unlicensed, or avoiding liability.
3. “What kind of underlayment are you using?”
Underlayment matters in Florida’s climate. Ask if it’s synthetic or peel-and-stick, not outdated felt.
4. “Is this quote insurance-grade or retail grade?”
If insurance is involved, make sure pricing and materials line up with what’s covered. Transparency is key.
5. “Do you have a manufacturer certification for this material?”
Certifications (GAF, CertainTeed) unlock extended warranties. No certification? No premium coverage.
6. “Can you show me recent jobs in my neighborhood?”
A solid roofer has local projects they’re proud of, and customers who’ll vouch for them.
7. “Who will be on-site doing the work?”
Avoid crews you’ve never met. Ask if they use in-house teams (like we do at FRG) for quality control.
8. “Can I see your liability and workers’ comp coverage?”
No coverage = major risk. A real pro can provide valid certificates on request.
9. “What’s included in cleanup?”
Don’t get stuck picking up nails. Look for full debris removal, magnetic sweeps, and tidy finish work.
10. “What happens if we hit weather delays?”
Florida’s weather is unpredictable. Ask how delays are handled and whether your home will be protected mid-project.
Asking these questions up front doesn’t just protect your wallet, it protects your home.
A great roofer won’t dodge them. In fact, they’ll appreciate that you know what matters.
Now that you know how to spot the right roofer, and avoid the wrong ones, let’s talk about what it really means to choose a company you can count on, year after year, storm after storm.
The Florida Roof You Can Trust
At the end of the day, picking a roofer in Florida isn’t just about who can get the job done fast or cheap; it’s about trust.
It’s about finding a contractor who listens to you, explains every step clearly, shows up when they say they will, and stands behind their work long after the last shingle is nailed down.
You’re not just buying a roof. You’re buying peace of mind during hurricane season.
You’re protecting your family, your investment, and your future.
We don’t take that lightly.
We’ve built roofs across this state for over 30 years, through storms, insurance chaos, and heatwaves, and we’re still here because we believe in doing the job right. Every time.
Ready to talk to a Florida roofer who does things differently? Schedule a free inspection today.
