Why Choosing a Licensed Roofer in Florida Could Save You from Legal and Financial Disaster
When your roof needs repair or replacement in Florida, the choice between a licensed and unlicensed contractor isn’t just about quality—it’s about protecting yourself from potentially devastating legal and financial consequences. Understanding Florida’s strict roofing contractor laws can mean the difference between a successful project and a costly nightmare.
Florida’s Licensing Requirements: More Than Just Paperwork
Florida law requires all roofing contractors to obtain a roofing contractor’s license from the Department of Professional Regulation (DBPR) through the oversight of the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), and performing roofing work without a required license can result in fines and penalties. The licensing process is rigorous for good reason—it ensures contractors have the necessary skills, knowledge, and financial stability to protect consumers.
Licensed contractors must carry general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $300,000 for public liability and $50,000 for property damage for general and building contractors, while other categories must maintain $100,000 for public liability and $25,000 for property damage. They must also provide workers’ compensation insurance that meets state requirements ($100,000 per occurrence, $500,000 aggregate, and $100,000 per disease).
The Serious Legal Consequences of Unlicensed Roofing Work
Florida doesn’t take unlicensed contracting lightly. Under Florida statute, it is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for an unlicensed person or business to advertise or perform contracting work. The Florida Statutes dictate that unlicensed contracting can result in criminal charges ranging from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, and if the accused has been convicted previously or if the activity occurs during a State of Emergency, charges can result in penalties as high as five years in jail or five years of probation.
The department may impose administrative fines of up to $10,000 on any unlicensed person guilty of unlicensed contracting, and if substandard work or materials are used, the unlicensed individual may be subject to criminal restitution claims, possibly amounting to thousands upon thousands of dollars.
Homeowner Protection: Why It Matters to You
As a homeowner, hiring an unlicensed contractor puts you at significant risk. If an unlicensed contractor is injured on your property, you could be held liable for their medical expenses and lost wages, while licensed contractors are required to carry liability insurance that covers accidents on your property.
Any contract with an unlicensed contractor for anything other than handyman jobs is unenforceable by the unlicensed contractor, which prohibits them from suing you for breach of contract and voids any lien claims they may place on your property. However, this also means you may have limited recourse if the work is substandard.
Unlicensed contractors may charge lower rates than licensed contractors; however, they often lack proper training, experience and insurance, meaning they may provide substandard work and not have the necessary insurance and coverages to address on-the-job injuries or other claims.
Finding a Trusted Licensed Roofing Contractor
When searching for a licensed roofer near me, it’s essential to verify credentials through official channels. Contractors and property owners must use caution when hiring a roofing contractor and take time to check that the contractor is appropriately licensed before signing a contract, and the public can verify licenses through DBPR’s online search system or by calling your local building department.
Companies like Aastro Roofing exemplify what homeowners should look for in a licensed contractor. Operating with full credentials and insurance, Aastro Roofing is a licensed and insured local roofing contractor serving Broward & Palm Beach County, FL, providing expert residential and commercial roofing services. As third-generation roofers with over 60 years of accumulated experience and expertise, Jason and James Blair founded Aastro Roofing in 2010, bringing decades of industry knowledge to every project.
The Value of Professional Licensing
Licensed contractors are required to meet certain standards and regulations set forth by the state of Florida, must pass exams, demonstrate knowledge of building codes and safety regulations, and maintain insurance coverage, meaning when you hire a licensed contractor, you can be confident they have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the job properly and safely.
Reputable companies like Aastro Roofing are locally owned and operated companies that value honesty and integrity, treating roofing projects as if they were their own, and offer a wide range of roofing expertise and experience to meet specific client needs. Serving South Florida with trusted, professional, and eco-friendly roofing solutions, their customer satisfaction steers their work as they listen intently to concerns and keep clients informed.
Protecting Your Investment
Your roof represents one of your home’s most significant investments. After storms, many homeowners may be approached by “storm chasers” who offer to repair roofs at unrealistically low costs, and many of these scammers are often unlicensed and may perform substandard work, making it the responsibility of licensed Florida roofing contractors to educate homeowners about the dangers of working with unlicensed contractors.
Florida’s licensing requirements exist to protect consumers from unqualified contractors who could leave you with substandard work, no insurance coverage, and potential legal liability. By choosing a licensed, insured contractor with a proven track record, you’re not just protecting your roof—you’re protecting your family, your finances, and your future.
Don’t take chances with your most important investment. Verify licensing, check insurance coverage, and choose contractors who demonstrate the professionalism and expertise that comes with proper licensing and years of experience in Florida’s unique roofing environment.