Hiring a roofer after a Florida hurricane: the rules that protect you
Deductible waivers, door-to-door pitches, the 10-day cancellation right and itemised estimates under s. 489.147.
After a hurricane, the roofers who reach your door first are not always the ones you want. Florida has written several protections into law specifically for storm-damage roof work. Knowing them makes it easy to spot a bad pitch.
No gifts, cash or deductible waivers
Section 489.147, Florida Statutes, prohibits a contractor from offering a residential property owner a rebate, gift, gift card, cash, coupon, waiver of any insurance deductible or anything else of value in exchange for letting the contractor inspect the roof or for making an insurance claim for roof damage. A roofer may suggest you contact your insurer to see whether a repair is covered — but may not pay you to file.
Advertising that encourages you to contact a contractor or adjuster to make a roof-damage claim must carry prominent notices that you are responsible for your deductible and that it is insurance fraud to waive it or to file a false claim.
Contractors can't adjust your claim
The same law bars contractors from interpreting your policy, advising on coverage or negotiating your claim with the insurer unless they hold a public adjuster licence. If a roofer says "sign here and we'll handle the insurance company", ask for their adjuster licence — or just deal with your insurer yourself.
You can no longer assign your benefits
For residential property policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, you cannot assign post-loss insurance benefits to a contractor; an assignment of benefits (AOB) is void under s. 627.7152(13). A contract that looks like an AOB — giving the contractor the right to your claim money — is a reason to stop and read carefully.
An itemised estimate before you sign
Under s. 489.147, a contractor may not give you a contract for roof repair or replacement paid from insurance without first giving you a good-faith, itemised and detailed estimate of the cost. Keep a copy. It is also the document you and your insurer will compare against the adjuster's estimate.
The right to cancel
If you sign a contract to repair or replace a roof within 180 days after a hurricane or windstorm covered by a state emergency declaration for your area, and the work is to be paid from insurance, you may cancel within 10 days after signing or by the official start date of the work, whichever comes first. The contract should explain how to cancel. If you cancel, send written notice and keep proof.
Temporary repairs first
Most policies expect you to prevent further damage. A tarp or temporary patch is usually reasonable while you gather estimates. Photograph the damage before and after, keep receipts, and don't let anyone rush you into a full replacement contract on day one.
Checking the roofer
- Look the licence up at DBPR Verify a License: roofing numbers start CCC or RC, and the status should be Current, Active.
- A registered (RC) roofer may only work where registered. Out-of-area crews after a storm are often unlicensed in Florida or licensed only elsewhere.
- Unlicensed contracting is a crime in Florida, and the penalties are stiffer during a declared state of emergency. Report it to DBPR.
- Check the profile here for board discipline on record, and read the dated entries.
- Ask for proof of insurance directly from the insurance agent.
- Make sure the contractor, not you, pulls the permit.
Payment
Florida doesn't set a maximum deposit for roofing, but a large up-front payment to a contractor you can't verify is the most common way homeowners lose money. Tie payments to milestones — materials delivered, dry-in inspection, final inspection — and do not make the final payment until the permit has passed final inspection. If a contractor takes more than 10 percent down, Florida's construction contract rules (s. 489.126) require them to apply for the permit within 30 days and start work within 90 days after the permit is issued, unless there's just cause or you agree otherwise in writing.
If something goes wrong
File a complaint with DBPR. If you lost money because of a licensed contractor's violation, the Construction Industries Recovery Fund may be able to reimburse part of the loss, subject to eligibility rules and caps — but only for work by a licensed contractor, which is another reason to hire one.