The Florida Contractor Checklist: Licensing, Insurance, and Red Flags
When it comes to roof repair in Florida, homeowners face a unique set of challenges—not just from the weather, but from the contractors they hire. Every year, especially after a storm rolls through Pinellas County, the market gets flooded with people claiming to be roofing professionals. Some are legit. Others? Not so much.
That’s why it’s essential to do your homework before signing any contract. The right credentials matter, and so does knowing how to avoid scams. Whether you need a quick repair or a full roof replacement, this checklist will help you verify a contractor’s legitimacy, protect your investment, and make a confident, informed decision.
Why Contractor Credentials Matter
In Florida, roofing isn’t just another trade—it’s a regulated profession for good reason. With frequent hurricanes, high humidity, and extreme heat, roofing systems in the Sunshine State have to be built and maintained to withstand a lot. That means only licensed, insured professionals should ever touch your roof.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize they’re being taken advantage of until it’s too late. From poor workmanship to outright fraud, unqualified contractors can leave you with a damaged roof, empty wallet, and zero legal recourse. This guide will walk you through exactly what to look for when hiring a roofing contractor in Florida.
Step 1: Verify Licensing
Florida law requires roofing contractors to be licensed through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can (and should) check a contractor’s license status directly on the Florida DBPR website.
A licensed contractor has:
- Passed a state exam
- Met experience and education requirements
- Maintains continuing education
- Follows Florida Building Code
Red flag: If a contractor tells you a license “isn’t needed” for your project, or if they hesitate to provide a license number, walk away. No licensed professional would ever shy away from this question.
At KAM Roofing Services, we proudly carry full licensure and meet all state and local requirements. We believe transparency builds trust—and your roof deserves nothing less.
Step 2: Check for Insurance
Being insured is just as important as being licensed. At minimum, a roofing contractor should carry:
- General liability insurance, which protects your home if something gets damaged
- Workers’ compensation insurance, which protects you if a crew member is injured on the job
Without proper insurance, you could be held financially responsible for property damage or injuries during the project.
Red flag: Contractors who are “cash-only” or offer deep discounts in exchange for skipping formal contracts often don’t carry insurance. That’s a major risk for Florida homeowners—don’t take the bait.
At KAM Roofing Services, our insurance coverage protects both our team and your home. We’re happy to provide documentation before we begin any project.
Step 3: Review Credentials and Experience
A valid license and insurance are the minimum. But in Florida’s fast-paced roofing market, credentials and proven experience are what separate reliable companies from risky ones.
Look for:
- Years in business (the longer, the better)
- Local project portfolio
- Customer testimonials
- Manufacturer certifications (like GAF or Owens Corning)
KAM Roofing Services has earned a reputation in Pinellas County for dependable, professional roof repair and roof replacement work. We offer quality materials, certified installers, and a track record of excellence that you can see in neighborhoods across the region.
Step 4: Ask About Permits and Inspections
In Florida, most roofing jobs require permits from your local municipality. Your contractor should be the one to handle this—and they should know exactly which permits are needed and how to schedule any required inspections.
Red flag: Contractors who suggest “skipping the permit to save money” or who don’t mention inspections are setting you up for code violations, fines, and problems with future home sales or insurance claims.
At KAM Roofing Services, we handle the entire permit and inspection process for you. We keep your project compliant, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.
Step 5: Get Everything in Writing
No handshake deals. No vague “verbal” quotes. A professional contractor will always provide a detailed written estimate that includes:
- Scope of work
- Materials to be used
- Start and completion dates
- Total cost and payment schedule
- Warranty information
Red flag: Contractors who ask for full payment upfront or refuse to give a written contract are often trying to disappear with your money.
We provide clear, written contracts for every job. KAM Roofing Services is committed to open communication and no-surprise billing, because homeowners deserve honesty from start to finish.
Step 6: Watch Out for Common Roofing Scams
Florida is a hotbed for contractor scams—especially after hurricanes and tropical storms. Scammers often go door-to-door, claiming to “notice damage” on your roof, and pressuring you to sign quickly or hand over an insurance check.
Signs of a roofing scam:
- High-pressure sales tactics
- No physical office address or website
- Out-of-state license plates
- Unmarked vehicles
- Refusal to provide references or reviews
- Asking to “inspect” your attic without consent
These scammers prey on urgency and fear. If something doesn’t feel right—trust your instincts.
KAM Roofing Services is a local, established business with a real address, phone number, website, and a growing list of satisfied Pinellas County customers. We don’t knock on doors—we let our reputation speak for itself.
Step 7: Understand the Warranty
A proper roof repair or roof replacement should come with a strong warranty—both for materials and workmanship. Manufacturer warranties can range from 10 years to a lifetime, depending on the product. Workmanship warranties should guarantee that your contractor will come back and fix any issues that arise due to installation errors.
Red flag: If a contractor can’t explain the warranty or promises “lifetime coverage” without documentation, that’s a big concern.
We offer product warranties through top-tier manufacturers, and we stand by our work with our own KAM Roofing Services workmanship warranty.
Do the Work Before You Hire
Your roof protects your entire home. Don’t let shortcuts, cheap quotes, or shady contractors put that investment at risk. In Florida—especially in storm-prone areas like Pinellas County—homeowners need to hire wisely and protect themselves.
By using this contractor checklist, you’ll reduce your risk, increase your confidence, and make sure you’re hiring someone who’s qualified, licensed, insured, and worthy of your trust.
Call KAM Roofing Services for Licensed, Insured, and Trusted Roofing
If you need roof repair, roof replacement, or just a second opinion, call KAM Roofing Services today. We’re fully licensed, fully insured, and fully committed to providing homeowners in Pinellas County with roofing solutions they can rely on.
We don’t cut corners. We build strong, lasting roofs—and strong relationships with the people under them.