Licensed Roofer in Florida: How to Verify Before You Hire

Florida's hurricane exposure makes roofing one of the most regulated trades in the state — and one of the most targeted by unlicensed contractors, especially after storms. Before any roofer gets on your roof, you need to know exactly what license Florida requires, how to look it up, and what it means if they can't produce one.

Does Florida require a license for roofing contractors?

Yes. Florida requires roofing contractors to hold a CCC license — Certified Roofing Contractor — issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This is a statewide license that authorizes work on any building's roof system, including shingles, tile, metal, and flat roofing.

Florida also offers a Registered Roofing Contractor classification for contractors who have passed a local exam and are only authorized to work in specific counties or municipalities. A Certified contractor can work statewide; a Registered contractor cannot. Always confirm which classification your contractor holds and whether it covers your location.

How do you verify a roofing license in Florida?

You can verify any Florida roofing license through the DBPR license search at myfloridalicense.com. Enter the contractor's name, business name, or license number to see their CCC license status, expiration date, and any complaints or disciplinary actions filed against them.

Check the status carefully. “Current, Active” is what you want. “Null and Void,” “Delinquent,” or “Suspended” means they are not legally authorized to work. Many unlicensed contractors will claim their license is “in renewal” — that's not a valid status. Only “Current, Active” counts.

Florida's DBPR database is updated in real time, so the status you see reflects today's standing, not a snapshot from months ago.

What bond and insurance does a Florida roofing contractor need?

Florida requires general contractors to carry at least $300,000 in bodily injury liability and $50,000 in property damage coverage, though most reputable roofing contractors carry $1 million or more. Workers' compensation is required for any construction business with even one employee — one of the strictest thresholds in the country. Owners holding at least 10% of the company can apply for a workers' comp exemption ($50, renewed every two years), but no more than three officers per company may claim this exemption.

After a hurricane or major storm, fly-by-night contractors flood affected areas with low bids and no real coverage. Always request a current certificate of insurance before signing any contract. Call the insurer directly to confirm the policy is active — it takes five minutes and eliminates one of the biggest fraud risks in roofing.

What does unlicensed roofing contracting mean in Florida?

In Florida, unlicensed contracting is a first-degree misdemeanor on the first offense and a third-degree felony on the second. These are criminal charges — not just civil fines. Florida takes unlicensed contracting seriously because the consequences of bad roofing can be catastrophic, especially in a hurricane-prone state.

For homeowners, hiring an unlicensed roofer can void your homeowner's insurance policy if a claim arises from that work. It can also disqualify you from FEMA assistance after a disaster if the work didn't meet code. And when you sell, unpermitted roofing work must be disclosed — or it becomes a liability.

Florida has over 270,000 licensed contractors across all trades. There is no shortage of legitimate options. An unlicensed bid is never worth the risk.

What are the red flags of an unlicensed roofer in Florida?

Common red flags include demanding full cash payment upfront, claiming they don't need a permit for the job, offering to “help” you file an insurance claim, and being unable or unwilling to provide a license number. Legitimate roofers in Florida know their CCC number and will give it to you without hesitation.

Post-storm contractor fraud is so prevalent in Florida that the state has a dedicated hotline through DBPR for reporting unlicensed activity. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, DBPR conducted targeted enforcement operations that resulted in more than 50 arrests and saved homeowners from over $250,000 in unlicensed activity scams. The unlicensed individuals apprehended had solicited payment for 85 projects, and 21 were from out of state with prior criminal records. If a contractor knocked on your door after a hurricane, that alone warrants extra scrutiny — verify the license before the conversation goes any further.

Does Florida require a permit for roofing work?

Yes. Most roofing work in Florida — including full replacements and significant repairs — requires a permit from the local building department. The permit triggers an inspection under the 8th Edition Florida Building Code (effective June 2, 2026), which sets some of the strongest roofing standards in the country. Inspections focus on wind resistance using updated ASCE 7-22 wind load calculations, proper underlayment (minimum Type II felt or equivalent synthetic), and factory-applied adhesive strips on shingles in high-wind areas. Properties in Miami-Dade and parts of Broward fall within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), which imposes the strictest standards for uplift resistance, fasteners, and product approvals in the nation.

A licensed CCC contractor will pull the permit as a standard part of the job. If a contractor tells you a permit isn't necessary for a full reroof, they're either wrong or hiding something.

How can CheckLicensed help with Florida roofing contractors?

CheckLicensed.com lets you verify any Florida roofing contractor's CCC license in seconds for $14.99. You get a clear report on license status, expiration, classification, and complaint history — without having to navigate the DBPR website yourself. For any project where someone is getting on your roof, a quick $14.99 check is the easiest protection you can add.