Roofing license requirements in Florida

Who needs a license

State license required. The state issues a license for roofing work. The roofer meets the state’s rules to get it, and you can look the license up.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses roofing contractors under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. A Certified Roofing Contractor (license prefix CCC) may work statewide. A Registered Roofing Contractor (prefix RC) may work only in the county or city that issued its local competency card. Both need an exam, insurance and a background check. There is no small-job dollar exemption for roofing. Ask to see the DBPR license number and check it online.

Bond and insurance

A license or registration is not insurance. Ask every roofer for a certificate of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Then call the insurer to confirm the policy is active. If the state asks a roofer for a bond, the rules above say so.

Roof insurance rules in Florida

An insurer may not refuse to write or renew a home policy only because the roof is less than 15 years old. For an older roof, you can pay for an inspection, and if it shows at least 5 years of useful life left, the insurer may not refuse you on roof age alone. Report a new claim within 1 year of the storm, and say no to any roofer who offers a gift or a deductible waiver to get you to file a claim.

Permits

Confirm roof permit requirements with the building department responsible for your address and scope of work. Agree with your contractor who will obtain any required permit and arrange inspections before work begins.

How to verify a roofer's license

Ask the roofer for the license or registration number. Then look it up yourself on the state's own site, the DBPR Verify a Licensee. Check that the name and the status match the company you talk to.

Open the DBPR Verify a Licensee