Not every contractor who shows up after a storm is trustworthy. This guide helps Florida homeowners recognize the warning signs — before signing anything.
Florida's storm recovery environment creates real risk for homeowners. After every hurricane and major storm event, unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors move into affected communities — sometimes from out of state — looking for quick jobs from homeowners who are stressed, confused, and not sure who to trust. This guide exists to help you protect yourself.
If you see any of these — slow down and verify before proceeding.
Legitimate local contractors don't typically canvass neighborhoods hours after a storm. Unsolicited door-knocking immediately after a weather event is one of the most common storm chaser tactics in Florida.
Any contractor who creates urgency around signing — 'this offer is only good today' or 'I have one spot left' — is using pressure tactics. Legitimate contractors give you time to review agreements and ask questions.
An AOB transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor. This practice has been widely misused in Florida. Never sign an AOB without fully understanding what you are agreeing to — and ideally not without speaking to someone you trust first.
All contractors working in Florida must be licensed. Ask for their license number and verify it at myfloridalicense.com before any work begins. If they cannot provide it — walk away.
Standard contractor practice is a deposit with the balance due on completion. Any contractor asking for full payment before work begins is a serious red flag.
Waiving a homeowner's insurance deductible is illegal in Florida. Any contractor who offers to do this is violating Florida law — and putting you at risk as well.
Search the contractor's name and company online. No reviews, no local address, no verifiable history — are all warning signs. Storm chasers often have no established presence in your community.
Get at least two estimates before committing. An estimate that is dramatically higher than others — or one that lacks specific line items — warrants careful scrutiny.
Every licensed contractor in Florida has a state-issued license number. Write it down before proceeding.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation maintains a public license lookup tool. Confirm the license is active, current, and matches the contractor's name and company.
Request certificates of insurance before any work begins. A legitimate contractor will provide these without hesitation.
All agreements, scope of work, timelines, and payment terms should be in a written contract before any work begins. Never rely on verbal agreements.
If you have any doubt about a contractor who has approached you — call us before you sign anything. We connect homeowners with vetted Florida professionals from our network. (888) 876-6364
Get their name, company name, phone number, and license number. Tell them you will follow up. Do not feel pressured to decide immediately.
Once a contractor is on your roof, they may document damage in ways that serve their interests. Verify their credentials before giving anyone property access.
Any document signed at the door — including inspection agreements — may have legal implications. Take time to read everything and ask questions before signing.
We help homeowners navigate contractor decisions without pressure toward any specific outcome. Our guidance is provided at no cost to Roof Roof Members.
Call us before you sign anything. We connect homeowners with vetted Florida professionals — and help you ask the right questions before committing to anyone.
Our assistance is provided at no cost to Roof Roof Members.
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