Finding a trustworthy contractor after home damage shouldn't be left to chance. This guide gives Florida homeowners the exact steps to verify any contractor before signing anything.
Hiring the wrong contractor after home damage is one of the most expensive mistakes a Florida homeowner can make. Unlicensed work, incomplete repairs, and contractor disputes after storm damage cost Florida homeowners millions of dollars every year. The good news: most of these situations are entirely preventable with the right verification steps before any work begins.
Every contractor performing work in Florida must hold a valid state-issued license. Ask for the license number before any conversation about the job continues. A legitimate contractor will provide this immediately and without hesitation.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation maintains a free public license lookup tool. Search by license number or contractor name. Confirm the license is active, current, not expired, and matches the contractor's name and company. Also check for any disciplinary actions on record.
Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance before any work begins. This protects you if a worker damages your property. The certificate should name your address and be current. Call the insurance company directly to verify if you have any doubt.
If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor does not have workers compensation insurance — you may be liable. Request a workers compensation certificate as well as liability. Legitimate contractors carry both.
A legitimate contractor provides a written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, and scope of work in specific detail. Vague estimates — 'fix roof, $8,000' — are a red flag. You should know exactly what you are paying for before any work begins.
The scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms, and dispute resolution process should all be in a signed written contract before any work begins. Never proceed on a verbal agreement — no matter how trustworthy the contractor seems.
Write these down. Ask them before signing anything.
Standard practice is a deposit — typically 10-30% — with the balance due on completion. Any contractor requiring full payment before work begins is a serious red flag.
Pay by check or credit card — payment methods that create a paper trail. Cash payments make disputes nearly impossible to resolve and remove your ability to dispute charges with your bank.
An AOB transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor. This practice has been widely misused in Florida. Never sign one without fully understanding what you are agreeing to — and ideally not without speaking to a trusted resource first.
Most significant home repairs in Florida require permits. Ask your contractor which permits are required for your job and confirm they are pulled before work starts. Unpermitted work can affect your home's value and future insurance claims.
Before making your final payment, do a thorough walkthrough of all completed work. Check every area that was repaired. Get all warranties in writing. Do not sign off on completion until you are satisfied with the work.
Roof Roof Direct connects Florida homeowners with licensed contractors from our vetted network — professionals we have evaluated for licensing, insurance, quality, and homeowner accountability. Skip the vetting process and work with someone we already trust.
Our assistance is provided at no cost to Roof Roof Members.
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Our assistance is provided at no cost to Roof Roof Members.
