Florida Roofing Scams: 12 Red Flags Every Homeowner Must Know

1. They Knocked on Your Door After a Storm

This is the #1 warning sign. Legitimate roofing companies don’t need to chase storms. They have reputations, referrals, and steady work. When someone shows up uninvited right after a hurricane — often from out of state — they’re counting on your fear and urgency.

What they say: “We’re doing roofs in the neighborhood and noticed yours looks damaged.”

The reality: They may not even look at your roof before saying this. It’s a script.

What to do: Thank them, take their card if you want, but never agree to anything at the door. A real contractor will still be there next week.

2. They Offer a “Free Roof” Through Insurance

If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

The pitch: “We’ll handle everything with your insurance. You won’t pay a dime — maybe just your deductible, and we can help with that too.”

What’s actually happening:

• They inflate the claim to pad their profit
• They may submit false damage reports
• “Helping with” your deductible is insurance fraud
• Your claim history gets flagged, premiums rise
• Your insurer may non-renew you next year

There’s no such thing as a free roof. Someone pays — and eventually, that someone is you.

3. They Want You to Sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB)

This is the most dangerous document in Florida roofing. An AOB transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor. Once you sign:

• You can’t negotiate with your insurance company
• The contractor controls the entire claim
• They can sue your insurer — in your name
• You may be liable for amounts insurance won’t pay

The rule: Never sign an AOB on the first visit. Never sign one without reading it completely. Better yet, don’t sign one at all — legitimate contractors can work with you on claims without taking over your rights.

4. They Pressure You to Decide Immediately

“This price is only good today.” “We have a crew in the area now — if you wait, it’ll be weeks.” “The damage is getting worse as we speak.”

Pressure tactics are designed to stop you from thinking clearly, getting other quotes, or checking their credentials. A real contractor understands that a roof is a major decision. They give you time, answer questions, and aren’t offended when you say you need to think about it. If someone is rushing you, ask yourself why.

5. They Demand Large Deposits Upfront

Industry standard for deposits is 10–30% of the job. Anything more — especially 50% or more — is a red flag. They take your deposit and disappear, or start work, do a fraction poorly, and demand more money before continuing.

Protect yourself: Never pay in cash. Use a credit card if possible (chargeback protection). Get the payment schedule in writing. Final payment after work is completed and inspected.

6. They Don’t Have a Physical Address

Check their website, their business card, their truck. Storm chasers often operate from hotel rooms or out-of-state offices. When something goes wrong, they’re gone. No address to visit, no local accountability. Google their address, check that it’s not a PO Box or mail drop, and look for established local presence.

7. They Can’t Provide License and Insurance

In Florida, roofing contractors must be licensed. No exceptions. Ask for their Florida contractor license number, proof of liability insurance, and proof of workers’ comp insurance. Then verify: check license status at myfloridalicense.com and call the insurance company directly to confirm coverage is current. A legitimate contractor provides this immediately, without hesitation.

8. They Won’t Provide a Written Contract

No contract = no protection. A proper contract should include:

• Full company name, address, license number
• Detailed scope of work (materials, specifications)
• Total price and payment schedule
• Timeline for completion
• Warranty information (materials and workmanship)
• Who pulls the permit
• How changes/additions are handled

9. They Offer to “Help” Pay Your Deductible

This is illegal. If a contractor offers to waive your deductible, absorb it into their pricing, or give you a “rebate” — that’s insurance fraud. And you’re a party to it.

It’s a felony in Florida. Your insurance company can deny your entire claim. You can be dropped and blacklisted. The contractor faces no consequences — you do. Your deductible exists for a reason. Pay it.

10. Their Estimate Is Way Lower Than Everyone Else’s

Getting multiple quotes is smart. But if one quote is dramatically lower than the others, be suspicious. They may be planning to use inferior materials, skip permits, hit you with “unexpected” charges mid-project, or underbid to get the job and then not finish properly. Get at least three quotes. If one is 30–40% lower, ask why — in detail.

11. They Won’t Commit to Pulling Permits

Every roof replacement in Florida requires a building permit. It’s not optional. Skipping permits means no inspections, no code compliance verification, and potential problems with your insurance and future home sale. Always ask: “Will you pull the permit, and can I see the permit number before work starts?” under Florida Statute 489.147.

12. They Have No Reviews or Only Generic Reviews

Check Google, Yelp, BBB, and Angi. A legitimate contractor with years of experience will have reviews from real customers.

Red flags: No online presence at all, reviews that all appeared the same week, vague reviews without specifics, multiple reviews with similar wording.

Green flags: Consistent reviews over time, specific mentions of projects and neighborhoods, a mix of positive and constructively negative (no one is perfect), and responses to negative reviews.