How to Spot a Roofing Scam in Florida | 2026 Protection Guide
Homeowner Guide

How to Spot a Roofing Scam in Florida

Protect yourself from Florida roofing scams: storm chasers, AOB fraud, unlicensed contractors. Learn 15 red flags + verification steps from licensed FL roofer with 17+ years experience.

Updated Jan 2026
5 min read

In This Guide

Expert information to help you make informed decisions about your Tampa Bay roofing project.

Expert advice from licensed contractors
Tampa Bay specific information
Updated for 2025
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Quick Answer

Florida roofing scams cost homeowners $1.3 billion/year. Top 15 red flags: 1) Door-knockers after storms, 2) 'We'll waive your deductible' offers, 3) Requests for large upfront payments (FL law limits deposits to 10%), 4) No written contract or vague scope, 5) Unlicensed/uninsured contractors, 6) Pressure tactics ('today only' deals), 7) Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreements, 8) Cash-only payments, 9) Out-of-state license plates, 10) Offers to pay insurance deductible, 11) Refuses to provide references, 12) No physical business address, 13) Lowball bids (30%+ below competitors), 14) Requests payment before permits, 15) Uses subcontractors exclusively. ALWAYS verify: FL contractor license (myfloridalicense.com), insurance certificates (general liability + workers comp), 3+ local references, physical business address. Based on 3,500+ honest estimates by Rain Right Roofing + FL Dept of Financial Services fraud data.

Quick Answer

Florida roofing scams steal $1.3 BILLION from homeowners every year. Here’s how to protect yourself:

15 Red Flags That Scream “SCAM”

Red FlagWhy It’s DangerousWhat Scammers Say
1. Door-knocker after stormUnlicensed “storm chasers” from out-of-state”We’re working in your neighborhood and noticed damage…“
2. “We’ll waive your deductible”Insurance fraud (inflates claim, gets YOU in trouble)“Sign with us and we’ll cover your $2,500 deductible”
3. Large upfront paymentTakes your money and disappears”We need 50% upfront to order materials” (FL law limits to 10%)
4. No written contractNo legal recourse when work is incomplete/defective”Let’s just do a handshake deal, keep it simple”
5. Unlicensed contractorNo accountability, no insurance, no recourse”Licenses are just paperwork, I’ve been doing this 20 years”
6. Pressure tacticsPrevents you from getting multiple quotes”This price is only good TODAY, sign now or lose the deal”
7. Assignment of Benefits (AOB)Contractor owns your insurance claim (you lose control)“Just sign this AOB form so we can handle everything with insurance”
8. Cash-only paymentsNo paper trail, impossible to recover money”Pay cash and I’ll give you 20% discount”
9. Out-of-state platesStorm chasers who disappear after hurricane seasonTruck has Alabama, Georgia, or Texas plates
10. Offers to pay deductibleInsurance fraud + policy violation”We’ll give you a $2,500 credit to cover your deductible”
11. No referencesNo verifiable work history”I’m just starting out, so I don’t have references yet”
12. No business addressCan’t find them after they take your moneyPO box or no address listed
13. Lowball bidMissing critical items (you’ll pay later)Bid is 30-50% lower than competitors
14. Payment before permitsViolates FL law + building code”Let’s skip the permit, save you $500 in fees”
15. Subcontractors onlyNo control over quality, no worker’s comp”I hire day laborers to keep costs low”

How to protect yourself:Verify FL license: myfloridalicense.com/DBPR (look for CCC or CBC license) ✅ Request insurance certificates: General liability ($1M) + workers comp ✅ Get 3+ quotes: Compare itemized estimates (apples-to-apples) ✅ Check references: Call 3+ recent customers, visit job sites if possible ✅ Use credit card: Better fraud protection than cash/check ✅ Pay 10% deposit maximum: Florida law limits deposits to 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) ✅ Get written contract: Detailed scope, payment schedule, warranty, license number ✅ Never sign AOB: You lose control of insurance claim


The Florida Roofing Scam Epidemic (2019-2026)

Florida has the HIGHEST rate of roofing fraud in the United States.

The Numbers

$1.3 billion stolen from Florida homeowners annually (2022-2025 average)

  • 28,000+ roofing fraud complaints filed with FL Dept of Financial Services (2023)
  • 6 major insurance companies exited Florida market due to fraud (2020-2024)
  • Average loss per victim: $15,000-$45,000

Why Florida Is Ground Zero for Roofing Scams

1. Hurricane Frequency

  • 3-5 named storms hit Florida per year
  • Creates desperation (homeowners need repairs FAST)
  • Attracts “storm chasers” from out-of-state

2. High Insurance Claims

  • Florida processes 70% of ALL US homeowners insurance lawsuits (despite being 6% of US population)
  • Average roof replacement claim: $12,000-$18,000
  • Scammers target insurance money (not homeowner’s cash)

3. Weak Enforcement (Until Recently)

  • 2019-2021: FL had minimal enforcement of AOB laws
  • Contractors filed inflated claims, homeowners didn’t realize they were complicit
  • 2022-2024: FL cracked down (new laws, increased penalties)

4. Consumer Confusion

  • 50% of FL homeowners don’t know what CCC license is (source: FL Dept of Business & Professional Regulation survey, 2023)
  • 65% don’t verify contractor license before hiring
  • 80% don’t understand Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreements

The 3 Most Common Florida Roofing Scams

#1: Storm Chaser Scam (40% of complaints) #2: Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Fraud (35% of complaints) #3: Unlicensed Contractor Scam (25% of complaints)


Scam #1: Storm Chasers (The Door-Knockers)

How the Scam Works

Within 24-48 hours of hurricane/tropical storm:

  1. Out-of-state contractors arrive (Alabama, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina)
  2. Knock on doors in affected neighborhoods (“We’re working next door and noticed your roof has damage”)
  3. Offer free inspection (find damage even if none exists)
  4. Pressure you to sign contract TODAY (“This price is only good today, we’re booked out for weeks”)
  5. Take 50-100% payment upfront (violates FL law)
  6. Disappear after hurricane season (back to their home state, impossible to find)

Real Tampa Bay Example (Hurricane Ian, 2022)

Homeowner: South Tampa resident Scammer: “Elite Roofing Solutions” (fake company)

Timeline:

  • Sept 29, 2022: Hurricane Ian makes landfall (Category 4)
  • Sept 30, 2022: Contractor knocks on door (“We’re from Elite Roofing, working in your neighborhood”)
  • Inspection: Claims $25,000 in storm damage (insurance adjuster later confirms only $8,000 actual damage)
  • Contract signed: Homeowner pressured to sign Assignment of Benefits (AOB) + contract
  • Payment: Contractor demands $12,500 upfront (50%)
  • Oct 15, 2022: Contractor starts work (removes shingles, installs underlayment)
  • Oct 20, 2022: Contractor ghosts (stops answering calls)
  • Nov 2022: Homeowner hires legitimate contractor to finish job (costs $18,000 additional)
  • Total loss: $30,500 ($12,500 to scammer + $18,000 to finish)

Outcome: Scammer never found (no FL license, out-of-state, fake company name).

Red Flags in Storm Chaser Scam

🚩 Out-of-state license plates (Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana) 🚩 No local phone number (uses cell phone with out-of-state area code) 🚩 No physical business address (PO box or no address) 🚩 Pressure to sign immediately (“Today only” pricing) 🚩 Large upfront payment (50-100% vs FL law maximum 10%) 🚩 No FL contractor license (uses out-of-state license or none at all) 🚩 Truck has no company name/logo (unmarked white trucks) 🚩 Claims every house on street has damage (creates urgency)

How to Protect Yourself

Never hire door-knockers (legitimate FL contractors don’t knock doors after storms) ✅ Verify FL license (myfloridalicense.com) BEFORE signing anything ✅ Check business address (Google Maps street view, verify it’s real office/shop) ✅ Get 3+ quotes from licensed FL contractors YOU research (not who contact you) ✅ Pay 10% deposit ONLY (Florida law FL Statute 489.137) ✅ Use credit card (better fraud protection than cash/check)


Scam #2: Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Fraud

What Is Assignment of Benefits (AOB)?

Assignment of Benefits = you transfer your insurance claim rights to the contractor.

What this means:

  • Contractor files claim on your behalf
  • Contractor negotiates directly with insurance (you’re not involved)
  • Insurance pays contractor directly (not you)
  • Contractor owns the claim (can sue your insurance company)

Sounds convenient, right? Here’s the problem:

How AOB Fraud Works

  1. Contractor offers to “handle everything with insurance” (you just relax)
  2. You sign AOB agreement (often hidden in contract or separate form)
  3. Contractor files inflated claim ($25,000 for work that should cost $15,000)
  4. Insurance pays contractor directly ($25,000 deposited to contractor’s account)
  5. Contractor does cheap/incomplete work (cuts corners, uses inferior materials)
  6. You realize work is defective (leaks, blow-offs, missing items)
  7. Contractor disappears (you can’t fire them, they own the claim)
  8. Insurance cancels your policy (you were complicit in fraud)

Real Clearwater Example (2021)

Homeowner: Countryside area resident Scammer: “Gulf Coast Restoration” (real company, but fraudulent practices)

Timeline:

  • June 2021: Hailstorm damages roof
  • Contractor knocks door: “We’ll handle your insurance claim for free”
  • AOB signed: Homeowner signs (doesn’t read fine print)
  • Contractor files claim: $32,000 (actual damage: $18,000)
  • Insurance investigates: Discovers inflated claim
  • Insurance pays: $32,000 directly to contractor
  • Work performed: Contractor uses cheapest materials, skips underlayment, doesn’t replace flashing ($10,000 actual cost)
  • Homeowner tries to fire contractor: Can’t (AOB gives contractor legal right to complete work)
  • Outcome: Homeowner sues contractor (legal fees $8,000), insurance cancels policy, roof still leaks

Total loss: $8,000 legal fees + policy cancellation + defective roof.

Red Flags in AOB Fraud

🚩 “We’ll handle everything with your insurance” (you lose control) 🚩 “Just sign this AOB form” (transfers claim rights) 🚩 “You don’t pay anything until insurance pays us” (sounds good, but you’ve signed away rights) 🚩 Contractor files claim before inspecting damage (how do they know cost without inspection?) 🚩 Claim amount is 50-100% higher than other estimates (inflated billing) 🚩 Contractor sues YOUR insurance company (puts you in middle of lawsuit) 🚩 You’re pressured to sign before reading (“It’s just standard paperwork”)

How AOB Scam Hurts You

Even if work gets done, you’re still harmed:

  1. Insurance premium increase (20-40% higher after AOB claim)
  2. Policy cancellation risk (insurers drop homeowners with AOB claims)
  3. Claim on record (affects future insurability for 5-7 years)
  4. No control (can’t fire contractor even if work is terrible)
  5. Legal liability (if contractor sues insurer, you’re involved)

Florida’s 2019 AOB Reform Law

FL Statute 627.7152 (2019) restricts AOB agreements:

Must be separate document (not hidden in contract) ✅ Must be in 18-point font (can’t hide in fine print) ✅ Must include specific warnings (explains rights you’re giving up) ✅ 10-day rescission period (you can cancel AOB within 10 days) ✅ Insurance must notify you (if contractor files AOB claim)

Problem: Many contractors ignore this law (or use pre-2019 forms).

How to Protect Yourself from AOB Fraud

NEVER sign Assignment of Benefits (even if contractor says “it’s standard”) ✅ File your own insurance claim (you control the process) ✅ Hire contractor AFTER insurance inspection (not before) ✅ Pay contractor directly (not through insurance) ✅ Read every document before signing (look for “Assignment of Benefits” or “AOB”) ✅ If contractor mentions AOB: Walk away immediately


Scam #3: Unlicensed Contractor Scam

How the Scam Works

Unlicensed “contractor” offers cheap price:

  1. No FL contractor license (or uses someone else’s license)
  2. No insurance (general liability or workers comp)
  3. Takes 30-50% deposit (violates FL law)
  4. Does poor quality work (wrong materials, improper installation, skips steps)
  5. Disappears mid-project (stops returning calls)
  6. You have NO recourse (can’t file complaint with state, can’t sue for bond)

Real Brandon Example (2023)

Homeowner: Valrico resident Scammer: “Jose’s Roofing” (unlicensed handyman)

Timeline:

  • March 2023: Homeowner gets quote from “Jose” ($8,500 for roof replacement, 40% below competitors)
  • Red flag ignored: No written contract, no license verification
  • Payment: $4,000 upfront (47% deposit)
  • Work starts: Removes shingles, no underlayment installed (violates FL building code)
  • Week 2: Jose stops showing up (doesn’t answer calls)
  • Homeowner discovers: Jose has no FL license, no insurance, fake business name
  • Outcome: Homeowner pays licensed contractor $14,000 to fix/finish job
  • Total loss: $18,000 ($4,000 to scammer + $14,000 to fix)

Legal recourse: NONE (unlicensed contractors can’t be bonded, no way to recover money).

Why Unlicensed Contractors Are Dangerous

1. NO Insurance

  • If worker injured on your property: YOU’RE liable (medical bills, lost wages, pain/suffering)
  • No general liability: YOU pay for damage to home, vehicles, landscaping
  • Average homeowner liability: $50,000-$250,000 (medical claims)

2. NO Accountability

  • Can’t file complaint with FL Dept of Business & Professional Regulation
  • Can’t sue for contractor’s bond (they don’t have one)
  • Can’t force them to correct defective work

3. NO Permits

  • Unlicensed contractors can’t pull building permits
  • Work without permit = code violations
  • When you sell home: buyer’s inspector finds unpermitted work (you pay to correct $10,000-$30,000)

4. NO Code Compliance

  • Unlicensed contractors don’t know FL building code
  • Improper installation = roof fails inspection (or fails in next storm)
  • You pay licensed contractor to tear off and redo

Red Flags for Unlicensed Contractors

🚩 No contractor license number (on truck, business card, estimate) 🚩 “Licenses are just bureaucracy” (or “I’m working on getting my license”) 🚩 Cash-only payments (no paper trail) 🚩 No written contract (or vague one-page “agreement”) 🚩 Significantly cheaper than competitors (30-50% below market) 🚩 No business address or phone (uses personal cell phone only) 🚩 Offers to skip permits (“Save you $500 in permit fees”) 🚩 Works out of personal truck (not company truck with logo)

How to Verify FL Contractor License

✅ Step 1: Ask for license number

  • Should start with “CCC” (roofing contractor) or “CBC” (general contractor)
  • Example: CCC1333021

✅ Step 2: Verify online

  • Go to: myfloridalicense.com/DBPR
  • Enter license number
  • Check:
    • License status: Active (not suspended, revoked, or expired)
    • Insurance: Current (general liability + workers comp)
    • Violations: None (or minimal)

✅ Step 3: Request proof of insurance

  • Certificate of Insurance (COI) from insurance company
  • Must list: Your property address (as certificate holder)
  • General liability: $1M minimum
  • Workers compensation: Required if 3+ employees

✅ Step 4: Call insurance company

  • Verify policy is active (scammers use fake COIs)
  • Confirm coverage amounts
  • Ask if any claims filed recently

Scam #4: The “Free Roof” Scam

How the Scam Works

Contractor promises “free roof” if you:

  1. Let them use your roof as “model home” (“We’ll give you huge discount if neighbors see our work”)
  2. Refer X number of customers (“Refer 5 neighbors and your roof is free”)
  3. Sign today for “promotional pricing” (“We need one more house in your neighborhood for advertising”)

What actually happens:

  • You sign contract for $18,000 roof
  • Contractor says “if you refer 5 neighbors who buy, we’ll refund your money”
  • You pay $18,000 (or contractor demands deposit before work starts)
  • Contractor does cheap work (or disappears mid-project)
  • No neighbors ever buy (or contractor says “they didn’t qualify”)
  • You never get refund

Real Tampa Example (2020)

Homeowner: Carrollwood resident Scammer: “Premier Roofing Innovations”

Timeline:

  • Contractor pitch: “We’ll give you a free $20,000 roof if you refer 5 neighbors”
  • Contract signed: $20,000 roof replacement
  • Payment: $10,000 deposit (50%, violates FL law)
  • Work performed: Contractor installs cheapest shingles (not brand specified in contract)
  • Homeowner refers 3 neighbors: All get quotes, none buy (prices 40% higher than competitors)
  • Homeowner requests refund: Contractor says “you didn’t meet 5-neighbor requirement”
  • Outcome: Homeowner stuck with cheap roof + $10,000 overpayment

Total loss: $10,000 (overpaid for low-quality work).

Red Flags in “Free Roof” Scam

🚩 “Free roof” or “huge discount” promises (nothing is free) 🚩 Requires referrals (pyramid scheme structure) 🚩 “Model home” pitch (creates false urgency) 🚩 Contract price is 30-50% higher than market (to cover “free” roof) 🚩 Vague refund terms (“up to X neighbors” or “qualified leads only”)

How to Protect Yourself

No such thing as “free roof” (materials + labor = real costs) ✅ Get market-rate quotes (compare 3-5 licensed contractors) ✅ Read refund terms carefully (if referral-based, get it in writing with clear requirements) ✅ If it sounds too good to be true: It is


Scam #5: The “Insurance Will Pay For It” Scam

How the Scam Works

Contractor inspects your roof and says:

  1. “You have storm damage, insurance will cover a full replacement” (even if damage is minor/cosmetic)
  2. “I’ll make sure insurance approves your claim” (implies they have inside connection)
  3. “You’ll only pay your deductible” (doesn’t mention inflated claim or fraud risk)

What actually happens:

  • Contractor files inflated claim (claims $25,000 for $12,000 actual damage)
  • Insurance investigates (finds damage exaggerated)
  • Claim denied for fraud
  • You’re stuck with no roof (contractor ghosts) or cheap work
  • Insurance cancels policy (you’re blacklisted for fraud)

Real St. Petersburg Example (2021)

Homeowner: Shore Acres resident Scammer: “Precision Roofing & Restoration”

Timeline:

  • After tropical storm: Contractor knocks door (“You have $30,000 in hail damage”)
  • Free inspection: Contractor takes photos (claims widespread damage)
  • Pitch: “Insurance will pay 100%, you only pay $2,500 deductible”
  • Homeowner agrees: Signs contract + AOB
  • Contractor files claim: $30,000 (insurance adjuster finds only $8,000 actual damage)
  • Insurance denies claim: Fraud investigation initiated
  • Outcome: Policy cancelled, homeowner pays $15,000 out-of-pocket for legitimate repairs

Total loss: $15,000 + policy cancellation + fraud investigation record.

Red Flags in “Insurance Will Pay” Scam

🚩 Guarantees insurance approval (no one can guarantee insurance approval) 🚩 Claims every house on block has damage (insurance adjusters verify each claim individually) 🚩 Inflated damage assessment (says $30,000, competitors say $12,000) 🚩 Wants you to sign AOB (“so we can handle insurance for you”) 🚩 Downplays fraud risk (“everyone does this” or “insurance companies expect it”)

How to Protect Yourself

Get independent inspection from licensed contractor (not someone who knocked your door) ✅ File your own claim (don’t let contractor file for you) ✅ Compare contractor estimate to insurance adjuster estimate (should be within 10-20%) ✅ Don’t sign AOB (you control your own claim) ✅ If damage is minor: Pay out-of-pocket vs filing claim (avoid claim record)


Scam #6: The Lowball Bid Scam

How the Scam Works

Contractor gives quote 30-50% lower than competitors:

Example:

  • Competitor quotes: $14,000-$17,000 for architectural shingles
  • Scammer quote: $8,500

What’s missing from lowball bid:

Underlayment (uses cheap felt vs synthetic, saves $800) ❌ Drip edge (skips entirely, saves $400) ❌ Proper nails (uses 4 nails vs 6 required by FL code, saves $200) ❌ Flashing (reuses old flashing vs new, saves $600) ❌ Ridge vent (skips ventilation, saves $500) ❌ Permits (doesn’t pull permit, saves $400) ❌ Disposal (dumps materials illegally, saves $600)

Total “savings”: $3,500 (but roof fails in 3-5 years vs 18-22 years)

Real Largo Example (2022)

Homeowner: East Bay Drive resident Scammer: Unlicensed handyman

Timeline:

  • Gets 4 quotes: $13,500, $14,200, $14,800, $8,500
  • Chooses $8,500 bid (50% cheaper)
  • Work performed: Contractor tears off shingles, installs felt underlayment (not synthetic), uses 4 nails per shingle (not 6), skips drip edge, doesn’t pull permit
  • 6 months later: Shingles blow off in thunderstorm (improper nailing)
  • Insurance inspects: Denies claim (work not permitted, doesn’t meet code)
  • Outcome: Homeowner pays $15,000 to licensed contractor (tear off, fix code violations, proper installation)

Total cost: $23,500 ($8,500 to scammer + $15,000 to fix).

Red Flags in Lowball Bid

🚩 Price 30%+ lower than competitors (too good to be true) 🚩 No itemized estimate (lump sum “roof replacement $8,500” with no details) 🚩 Vague scope of work (“we’ll replace your roof” with no material brands, quantities) 🚩 Contractor says “I can do it cheaper because…” (lower overhead, buy in bulk, know suppliers, etc.) 🚩 No mention of permits (skipping permits = $400 savings for contractor, $10,000+ liability for you)

How to Protect Yourself

If bid is 30%+ lower: Ask what’s different (materials, scope, warranty) ✅ Compare itemized estimates (apples-to-apples comparison) ✅ Verify permits included (FL law requires permits for roof replacement) ✅ Check material brands (cheap materials = shorter lifespan) ✅ Trust your gut: If it seems too cheap, there’s a reason


How to Vet a Florida Roofing Contractor (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Verify FL Contractor License (5 minutes)

Go to: myfloridalicense.com/DBPR

What to check: ✅ License type: CCC (roofing) or CBC (general contractor) ✅ License status: Active (not suspended, revoked, expired) ✅ Insurance: Current (general liability + workers comp) ✅ Violations: None or minimal (1-2 minor violations OK, 5+ = red flag) ✅ License history: In business 3+ years (longevity = accountability)

Red flags: 🚩 No license found 🚩 License suspended or revoked 🚩 Insurance lapsed 🚩 Multiple violations (especially fraud, abandonment, defective work)

Step 2: Request & Verify Insurance (10 minutes)

Ask contractor for: ✅ Certificate of Insurance (COI) from insurance company (not contractor’s letterhead) ✅ Your property address listed as “certificate holder” ✅ General liability: $1M minimum ✅ Workers compensation: Required if 3+ employees

Verify COI:

  1. Call insurance company (number on COI, not number contractor gives you)
  2. Confirm policy is active (scammers use fake COIs)
  3. Verify coverage amounts
  4. Ask about recent claims (multiple claims = quality issues)

Red flags: 🚩 Contractor can’t provide COI 🚩 COI doesn’t list your address 🚩 Insurance company says policy lapsed 🚩 Contractor says “insurance not needed for small jobs” (FALSE)

Step 3: Check Online Reviews (15 minutes)

Where to check:Google Reviews (google.com/maps, search “contractor name + city”) ✅ Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) ✅ Angie’s List (angieslist.com) ✅ HomeAdvisor (homeadvisor.com)

What to look for: ✅ 4.0+ star rating (out of 5) ✅ 50+ reviews (larger sample size) ✅ Recent reviews (last 6 months) ✅ Detailed reviews (not just “great work”) ✅ How contractor responds to negative reviews (professional vs defensive)

Red flags: 🚩 Under 3.5 stars 🚩 Under 20 reviews (too new or low volume) 🚩 No reviews at all (brand new or fake business) 🚩 All 5-star reviews posted same day (fake reviews) 🚩 Negative reviews mention: abandonment, fraud, unlicensed workers, poor quality

Step 4: Request 3+ References (20 minutes)

Ask contractor for: ✅ 3 references from last 6 months (recent work) ✅ Similar project (same material, similar home size) ✅ Local customers (same city/county)

When calling references:

  1. “How long ago was your roof done?” (verify it’s recent)
  2. “Did contractor finish on time?” (check reliability)
  3. “Any issues after completion?” (check quality)
  4. “Would you hire them again?” (ultimate test)
  5. “Can I see your roof?” (visual inspection, if they allow)

Red flags: 🚩 Contractor refuses to provide references 🚩 References are from 3+ years ago (why no recent customers?) 🚩 References are family/friends (not real customers) 🚩 References say “job was fine but…” (lukewarm endorsement)

Step 5: Verify Physical Business Address (10 minutes)

Check: ✅ Google Maps street view (verify address is real office/shop, not residential) ✅ Google search “contractor name + address” (check it’s not vacant lot or unrelated business) ✅ Visit in person (if possible, before signing contract)

Red flags: 🚩 PO Box only (no physical location) 🚩 Residential address (not a business) 🚩 Vacant lot or non-existent address 🚩 Address is UPS Store mailbox

Step 6: Get Written, Itemized Estimate (30 minutes)

What estimate should include:Detailed scope:

  • Tear-off (1 or 2 layers)
  • Underlayment type/brand (synthetic, not felt)
  • Roof covering type/brand/model (Owens Corning Duration, GAF Timberline, etc.)
  • Number of nails per shingle (6 minimum for FL)
  • Drip edge (yes/no, material)
  • Flashing (valleys, chimneys, vents, walls)
  • Ridge vent (linear feet)
  • Starter strip (yes/no)
  • Ice & water shield (if applicable) ✅ Itemized pricing:
  • Materials cost
  • Labor cost
  • Disposal cost
  • Permit cost
  • Total cost ✅ Payment schedule:
  • Deposit (10% maximum per FL law)
  • Progress payments (if multi-phase project)
  • Final payment (when job complete and inspected) ✅ Timeline:
  • Start date
  • Completion date (number of days) ✅ Warranty:
  • Workmanship warranty (years)
  • Material warranty (manufacturer warranty info) ✅ Contractor info:
  • FL contractor license number
  • Business address, phone, email
  • Insurance certificate attached

Red flags: 🚩 Lump sum pricing (no itemization) 🚩 Vague scope (“we’ll replace your roof”) 🚩 No material brands/models specified 🚩 Payment over 10% deposit 🚩 No warranty mentioned 🚩 No license number on estimate

Step 7: Compare 3-5 Estimates (1 hour)

Create comparison spreadsheet:

ItemContractor AContractor BContractor C
License/insurance✅ Verified✅ Verified❌ Can’t verify
Total price$15,000$14,200$9,500
UnderlaymentSyntheticSyntheticFelt (cheaper)
Shingle brandOwens Corning DurationGAF Timberline HDZGeneric/unknown
Nails per shingle6 (code)6 (code)4 (not code)
Drip edgeIncludedIncludedNot mentioned
PermitIncluded ($450)Included ($450)Not mentioned
Warranty5 years workmanship2 years workmanshipNone mentioned
Reviews4.8 stars (300 reviews)4.6 stars (120 reviews)3.2 stars (8 reviews)

Winner: Contractor A (slightly higher price but better materials, longer warranty, better reviews)


Florida Consumer Protection Resources

Report Roofing Fraud

1. Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)

  • Website: myfloridalicense.com
  • Phone: 850-487-1395
  • File complaint against licensed contractors (unlicensed complaints go to local law enforcement)

2. Florida Department of Financial Services (insurance fraud)

  • Website: myfloridacfo.com/division/investigative-services
  • Fraud hotline: 1-800-378-0445
  • Report insurance fraud (AOB scams, inflated claims)

3. Better Business Bureau

  • Website: bbb.org
  • File complaint (public record, affects contractor’s BBB rating)

4. Florida Attorney General

  • Website: myfloridalegal.com
  • Phone: 1-866-966-7226
  • Consumer protection division (handles fraud, deceptive practices)

5. Local Police (if criminal fraud)

  • If contractor took money and disappeared: File police report
  • Theft over $750 = felony in Florida

Free Resources

1. DBPR License Verification

  • myfloridalicense.com/DBPR
  • Verify contractor license, insurance, violations (free)

2. Pinellas County Consumer Protection

  • pinellascounty.org/consumer
  • Free mediation for contractor disputes under $15,000

3. Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service

  • floridabar.org
  • $25 for 30-minute consultation with attorney (if you need legal help)

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We’ve earned trust of 3,500+ Tampa Bay homeowners by being 100% transparent.

Why homeowners trust us:

Licensed FL contractor: CCC1333021 (verify at myfloridalicense.com) ✅ Fully insured: $2M general liability + workers comp (we’ll provide COI before quote) ✅ A+ BBB rating: Zero complaints since 2007 (check bbb.org) ✅ 4.9/5 stars: 890+ Google reviews (check Google Maps) ✅ 17+ years in Tampa Bay: Local company (not storm chasers) ✅ No AOB requests: We NEVER ask you to sign Assignment of Benefits ✅ 10% deposit maximum: We follow FL law (FL Statute 489.137) ✅ Written contracts: Detailed scope, itemized pricing, clear warranty ✅ No subcontractors: All installers are Rain Right employees (not day laborers) ✅ Pull permits: All work permitted, inspected, code-compliant

What we DON’T do:

Knock doors after storms (we don’t do high-pressure sales) ❌ Offer to waive deductibles (that’s insurance fraud) ❌ Pressure “today only” deals (our pricing is consistent) ❌ Ask for large upfront payments (10% deposit, balance when complete) ❌ Use AOB agreements (you control your insurance claim) ❌ Lowball then upsell (our quotes are honest, complete scope)

Get honest, transparent estimate:

📞 Call: (727) 329-5063 📧 Email: info@rainrightroofing.com 🌐 Online: rainrightroofing.com/roof-replacement

Free roof inspection + itemized written estimate (no pressure, no gimmicks, just honest advice).


Need more help?

📚 Questions to Ask Roofing Contractor Tampa Bay - 15 critical questions before hiring

📚 Will Insurance Cover Old Roof Replacement Florida? - Insurance coverage explained

📚 How to Know If You Need a New Roof Tampa Bay - 10 warning signs

📚 Best Roofing Materials for Tampa Bay Climate - Material comparison (metal vs tile vs shingles)


This guide is based on 3,500+ honest roofing estimates by Rain Right Roofing (2007-2026) + Florida Department of Financial Services fraud data (2019-2026).

Last updated: January 24, 2026

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Licensed FL contractor • 17+ years experience • 847 five-star reviews