Hiring A Roofer Red Flags: How to Avoid Getting Burned

If you’re hiring a roofer in Florida, here’s the honest truth:


The sketchiest roofers don’t sell roofing. They sell an insurance story.


So if a contractor shows up talking nonstop about your claim, your deductible, and how you’ll “pay nothing”… slow down. Florida’s consumer guidance basically says the same thing: don’t rush, verify licensing/insurance, and don’t sign paperwork fast—especially after storms.

The #1 rule (remember this)

If the pitch is mainly about insurance, treat it as high-risk until proven otherwise.


A solid roofer will talk about:

  • what’s wrong with your roof
  • what materials they’ll use
  • how they’ll fix it
  • how long it’ll take
  • what it costs


A shady roofer will talk about:

  • “free roof”
  • “we’ll cover your deductible”
  • “sign this so we can get your claim approved”

Florida consumer warnings flag these patterns for a reason.

The “Walk Away” Red Flags (No Debating Yourself)

1) “We’ll pay your deductible” / “No cost to you”

What it sounds like

  • “Don’t worry, we’ll cover your deductible.”
  • “You won’t pay anything.”
  • “We’ll give you a rebate/gift card after.”


Why it matters

Florida guidance calls out deductible waiving/rebating and “no charge” claim talk as a major warning sign.


What to do instead

Keep it simple:

“No thanks. I’m only working with a contractor who expects me to pay my deductible.”


Then move on.

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2) They push you to file a claim right now

What it sounds like

  • “You HAVE to file.”
  • “This is definitely covered.”
  • “Sign this and we’ll get it approved.”


Why it matters

Florida consumer protection materials list claim pressure as a red flag.


What to do instead

Call your insurer or agent first. If you decide to file, do it cleanly—then let the insurance company inspect.

3) “We handle your insurance” (or they try to steer the claim)

What it sounds like

  • “Don’t talk to the adjuster—we will.”
  • “Your policy covers it, I’ll explain.”
  • “We’ll negotiate the claim/supplement.”


Why it matters

Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate resources warn that contractors shouldn’t be initiating, negotiating, or influencing your claim for you.


What to do instead

Keep roles clear:

  • Insurance decides coverage
  • Roofer gives an estimate and does the work


That’s it.


4) They want full payment up front (or cash only)

What it sounds like

  • “Pay it all now to lock in pricing.”
  • “Cash only.”
  • “Sign over your insurance check.”


Why it matters

Florida guidance warns homeowners about full upfront payment and cash-only behavior.


What to do instead

Use milestone payments tied to progress, like:

  • deposit
  • materials delivered
  • roof dried-in (watertight)
  • job done + final inspection

5) They won’t prove they’re licensed and insured (or it doesn’t match)

What it sounds like

  • “Yeah we’re licensed” (but no license number)
  • “We’re licensed through a partner”
  • paperwork looks generic or mismatched


Why it matters

Florida tells homeowners to verify licenses through the state system and confirm insurance coverage.


What to do instead (takes 10 minutes)

  • Verify the license on MyFloridaLicense.com (run by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation).
  • Ask for:
  • General Liability COI
  • Workers’ comp proof (or exemption)


Bonus tip: ask the insurance certificate to be sent directly from their agent , not forwarded from the roofer.

Florida Stuff That Trips People Up (Easy Version)

Emergency storms: you may have a 10-day cancellation right

Florida law gives homeowners a 10-day cancellation window for certain roof contracts signed after a Governor-declared emergency (with specific conditions).


Red flag: they rush you and avoid talking about cancellation language.

Better move: get the full signed copy the same day and read the cancellation section.


Big deposits can trigger legal timing rules

Florida law includes rules tied to deposits over 10% for residential contracting timelines (with exceptions).


Translation: don’t hand over a big deposit without a written timeline and permit plan.

Permits: “We don’t need one” is usually bad news

Florida consumer guidance treats pulling permits (when required) as the right way to do things and warns about skipping them.



Red flag: “You pull the permit.”

Better move: put this in the contract:

“Contractor will obtain and close all permits and schedule inspections.”

The “Storm Chaser” Pattern (Door Knocks After Storms)

The Florida Attorney General's Office warns homeowners about unsolicited contractors, “leftover supplies” stories, and pressure tactics.


What it looks like

  • “We were already in your neighborhood…”
  • “We see damage you can’t spot from the ground…”
  • photos + paperwork push on the same visit


What to do

  • Don’t sign. Don’t commit. Get their info and say:

“I’m getting three bids and verifying everything first.”

The Safe Hiring Plan (Simple, No Stress)

A simple phone script you can use today

“Can you text or email me your license number, proof of insurance, and an itemized estimate with materials, permits, ventilation, and decking price?”


If they won’t send that? That’s your sign.

Quick FAQ

  • Is “we’ll pay your deductible” a red flag in Florida?

    Yes. Florida consumer guidance flags deductible waiving/rebating and “no charge” claim talk as a warning sign.

  • Should I sign a contract before the adjuster comes?

    If it’s claim-related, it’s safer to let insurance evaluate damage first and avoid rushed paperwork.

  • Where do I verify a roofer’s license?

    Use MyFloridaLicense.com.

  • What law covers liens?

    Florida lien rules and the Notice to Owner warnings are in the Florida Legislature Online Sunshine statutes.

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