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 Flag | Why It’s Dangerous | What Scammers Say |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Door-knocker after storm | Unlicensed “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 payment | Takes your money and disappears | ”We need 50% upfront to order materials” (FL law limits to 10%) |
| 4. No written contract | No legal recourse when work is incomplete/defective | ”Let’s just do a handshake deal, keep it simple” |
| 5. Unlicensed contractor | No accountability, no insurance, no recourse | ”Licenses are just paperwork, I’ve been doing this 20 years” |
| 6. Pressure tactics | Prevents 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 payments | No paper trail, impossible to recover money | ”Pay cash and I’ll give you 20% discount” |
| 9. Out-of-state plates | Storm chasers who disappear after hurricane season | Truck has Alabama, Georgia, or Texas plates |
| 10. Offers to pay deductible | Insurance fraud + policy violation | ”We’ll give you a $2,500 credit to cover your deductible” |
| 11. No references | No verifiable work history | ”I’m just starting out, so I don’t have references yet” |
| 12. No business address | Can’t find them after they take your money | PO box or no address listed |
| 13. Lowball bid | Missing critical items (you’ll pay later) | Bid is 30-50% lower than competitors |
| 14. Payment before permits | Violates FL law + building code | ”Let’s skip the permit, save you $500 in fees” |
| 15. Subcontractors only | No 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:
- Out-of-state contractors arrive (Alabama, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina)
- Knock on doors in affected neighborhoods (“We’re working next door and noticed your roof has damage”)
- Offer free inspection (find damage even if none exists)
- Pressure you to sign contract TODAY (“This price is only good today, we’re booked out for weeks”)
- Take 50-100% payment upfront (violates FL law)
- 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
- Contractor offers to “handle everything with insurance” (you just relax)
- You sign AOB agreement (often hidden in contract or separate form)
- Contractor files inflated claim ($25,000 for work that should cost $15,000)
- Insurance pays contractor directly ($25,000 deposited to contractor’s account)
- Contractor does cheap/incomplete work (cuts corners, uses inferior materials)
- You realize work is defective (leaks, blow-offs, missing items)
- Contractor disappears (you can’t fire them, they own the claim)
- 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:
- Insurance premium increase (20-40% higher after AOB claim)
- Policy cancellation risk (insurers drop homeowners with AOB claims)
- Claim on record (affects future insurability for 5-7 years)
- No control (can’t fire contractor even if work is terrible)
- 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:
- No FL contractor license (or uses someone else’s license)
- No insurance (general liability or workers comp)
- Takes 30-50% deposit (violates FL law)
- Does poor quality work (wrong materials, improper installation, skips steps)
- Disappears mid-project (stops returning calls)
- 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:
- Let them use your roof as “model home” (“We’ll give you huge discount if neighbors see our work”)
- Refer X number of customers (“Refer 5 neighbors and your roof is free”)
- 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:
- “You have storm damage, insurance will cover a full replacement” (even if damage is minor/cosmetic)
- “I’ll make sure insurance approves your claim” (implies they have inside connection)
- “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:
- Call insurance company (number on COI, not number contractor gives you)
- Confirm policy is active (scammers use fake COIs)
- Verify coverage amounts
- 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:
- “How long ago was your roof done?” (verify it’s recent)
- “Did contractor finish on time?” (check reliability)
- “Any issues after completion?” (check quality)
- “Would you hire them again?” (ultimate test)
- “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:
| Item | Contractor A | Contractor B | Contractor C |
|---|---|---|---|
| License/insurance | ✅ Verified | ✅ Verified | ❌ Can’t verify |
| Total price | $15,000 | $14,200 | $9,500 |
| Underlayment | Synthetic | Synthetic | Felt (cheaper) |
| Shingle brand | Owens Corning Duration | GAF Timberline HDZ | Generic/unknown |
| Nails per shingle | 6 (code) | 6 (code) | 4 (not code) |
| Drip edge | Included | Included | Not mentioned |
| Permit | Included ($450) | Included ($450) | Not mentioned |
| Warranty | 5 years workmanship | 2 years workmanship | None mentioned |
| Reviews | 4.8 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)
🎯 Rain Right Roofing: We Do It Right
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).
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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