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Roofing License Verification in Florida: Using State Databases to Confirm Contractor Credentials and Complaint History

Don’t Get Burned: Your Essential Guide to Verifying Florida Roofing Contractor Licenses and Avoiding Costly Scams

When it comes to protecting your most valuable investment—your home—choosing the right roofing contractor in Florida isn’t just important, it’s critical. In a state like Florida, where roofing scams can pop up faster than summer rain, working without a license during a declared state of emergency is a felony, yet storm-chasing scammers flood neighborhoods every year. The good news? Florida provides robust tools for consumers to verify contractor credentials and complaint histories through state databases.

Why License Verification Matters More Than You Think

In Florida, all roofing contractors are required to be licensed by the state, but not all contractors follow this rule. If your roofer isn’t licensed and something goes wrong, your insurance company can, and often will, deny your claim, and Florida law imposes penalties on homeowners who employ unlicensed roofers, including denial of insurance claims or fines in the event of damage or accidents.

Unlicensed contractors don’t answer to the state. That means no accountability if they disappear halfway through your project. No guarantees. No legal recourse. This makes credential verification not just a smart choice, but essential legal protection.

How to Use MyFloridaLicense.com: Your Primary Verification Tool

The best way to check a roofer’s license in Florida is by using MyFloridaLicense.com. It’s the state’s official database where you can verify license status, expiration dates, and disciplinary history, all in one place, and completely free to use. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) oversees roofer licensing in Florida, and their website, MyFloridaLicense.com, is your go-to source for the most accurate info.

Here’s your step-by-step verification process:

  • Visit MyFloridaLicense.com: This is the state-run site where all active, suspended, and expired contractor licenses are listed.
  • Search by name or license number: The DBPR maintains a database of licensed contractors, which you can search by name or license number.
  • Review license details carefully: Check the status (active, expired, suspended, etc.) and confirm the license type (it should say Certified Roofing Contractor or Registered Roofing Contractor)
  • Verify the person matches the license: Just because someone hands you a license number doesn’t mean they’re the person who owns it.

Understanding Florida’s Two Types of Roofing Licenses

There are two types of roofing licenses in Florida: Certified Roofing Contractor and Registered Roofing Contractor. Certified Roofing Contractor: This license is issued by the state and is valid anywhere in Florida. Understanding which type your contractor holds is crucial, as each comes with different permissions and coverage areas.

Digging Deeper: Checking Complaint History and Disciplinary Actions

In Florida, a license can still be active even if the contractor has been fined, suspended, or hit with serious complaints in the past. That’s why checking for legal or disciplinary history is just as important as verifying the license itself.

When reviewing a contractor’s record, look beyond just the “Active” status. When you search a roofer on MyFloridaLicense.com, look beyond the “Active” status. A clean license history is a green flag. If you see repeated issues, even if they’ve been resolved, it’s worth digging deeper.

The state database will show:

  • Current license status
  • License expiration dates
  • Any disciplinary actions taken
  • Complaint history where applicable
  • Administrative penalties or fines

Additional Verification Resources

If you prefer speaking with someone directly, call the DBPR Customer Service Line at (850) 487-1395 to speak with someone directly. They’ll help you verify licenses, explain license types, and flag any disciplinary history you should know about.

Many legal disputes don’t show up in DBPR records, but they do show up in public court filings. Visit your county’s Clerk of Court website and enter the contractor’s legal name or business name to look for civil lawsuits, judgments, or lien claims filed.

Working with Licensed Professionals: A Local Example

When searching for a qualified roofer broward county residents can trust, companies like Aastro Roofing demonstrate what proper licensing and local expertise look like. Centrally located in Deerfield Beach, Aastro Roofing Company is managed and operated by family members with a vested interest in our company’s success and the satisfaction of our customers. Our family-oriented approach ensures personalized service and attention to detail, making us a trusted choice for roofing needs in South Florida.

Their mission is to provide the highest quality roofing solutions with exceptional customer service, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of every client. They are committed to using top-grade materials and the latest industry techniques to deliver durable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing roofs. As a family-operated business, they prioritize building lasting relationships with their customers and treating each project with the care and attention it deserves.

Red Flags That Should Send You Running

Be wary of contractors who:

  • Cannot provide a valid license number immediately
  • Get defensive when you ask to verify their credentials
  • Claim they don’t need permits for your project
  • Demand large upfront payments
  • Show up unannounced after storms
  • Pressure you to sign immediately

Bottom line: If a roofer gets annoyed that you’re checking their license and insurance, walk away.

Beyond Licensing: Additional Credential Checks

Organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) maintain directories of licensed and certified roofing contractors in your area. By contacting these organizations, you can gain valuable insights into the contractor’s experience, credentials, and reputation in the roofing industry.

Don’t forget to verify insurance coverage separately from licensing. Being licensed does NOT mean the contractor is insured. You need both.

The Bottom Line: Your Protection Strategy

Hiring a licensed and insured roofing contractor is not just a matter of paperwork, it is your best protection against financial risk, subpar work, and legal headaches. Taking the time to verify your roofer’s license and insurance coverage not only determines that your project complies with the law but also guarantees the safety and security of your property for years to come.

Florida’s licensing verification system exists to protect you, but only if you use it. Take the few minutes required to check MyFloridaLicense.com before signing any contract. Your roof, your wallet, and your peace of mind will thank you.

Remember: in Florida’s competitive roofing market, legitimate contractors welcome verification questions because they have nothing to hide. Those who don’t are telling you everything you need to know.