Florida’s weather is no joke. Between hurricanes, heat, and heavy rains, your roof takes a serious beating. So when it’s time for repairs or replacement, you want the job done right.
But here’s the problem: shady roofing contractors are out there. They target Florida homeowners every year—especially after big storms. If you’re not careful, you could get scammed out of thousands of dollars.
Let’s walk through 5 common roofing scams in Florida and how to avoid them.
This one sounds too good to be true—because it is.
Here’s how it works: A contractor knocks on your door after a storm and says they can get your roof replaced for “free” using your insurance. They may even offer a cash bonus or say they’ll handle the paperwork for you. Sounds great, right?
Not so fast.
They often ask you to sign an “Assignment of Benefits” (AOB), which gives them total control over your insurance claim. You lose the ability to approve repairs or costs. Some scammers inflate the damage, bill your insurer for things they never fixed, or leave the job unfinished. Worse, this could get your claim denied—or even land you in legal trouble.
How to avoid it:
Never sign an AOB without talking to your insurance company first. Always get a second opinion from a licensed, local roofer who has real references.
After a hurricane, roofing trucks roll into town—lots of them. These are “storm chasers.” They travel from state to state, following bad weather and desperate homeowners.
They might offer quick work at a cheap price. But once they finish—or take your money—they vanish. If the roof leaks later or they cut corners, you won’t be able to reach them. And good luck getting warranty support.
How to avoid it:
Stick with local roofing companies. Look for ones with a real office, a business license in your city, and solid online reviews. Ask how long they’ve been working in Florida. If they can’t answer easily, walk away.
A roofer offers a great deal—but only if you pay in full right away. Maybe they say it’s for materials. Or that they’re offering a limited-time discount.
Here’s the catch: Once they have your money, they may disappear. Or they might start the job and never finish it. Unfortunately, this scam hits Florida homeowners hard—especially seniors.
How to avoid it:
Never pay 100% upfront. A reasonable deposit is fine (typically 10–30%), but the rest should come after the work is done. Make sure everything is in writing—including the payment schedule and project timeline.
Some scam artists go a step further. They actually create damage during an “inspection.” They might pry up shingles, loosen flashing, or make small cuts—then take photos and say you need emergency repairs.
It’s unethical. It’s illegal. And it happens more often than you’d think.
How to avoid it:
Always watch the inspection if possible. Get photos of your roof before anyone goes up there. And again, get multiple quotes. A second opinion can reveal a scam in progress.
Some contractors work under the radar. They don’t have a Florida roofing license. They don’t carry insurance. That means if they get hurt on your property or cause damage, you could be held liable.
They also may not follow code. That can cause problems when selling your home or renewing insurance.
How to avoid it:
Ask to see a valid Florida roofing license and proof of insurance. Any reputable company will be happy to provide it. If they hesitate or make excuses, that’s a red flag.
Roofing scams in Florida are on the rise. But with a little knowledge, you can stay one step ahead.