The Truth About Roofing Scams in Florida—And How to Stay Safe
If you’re a homeowner in Florida, especially after a major storm or hurricane, chances are you’ve seen signs for “free roof inspections” pop up overnight. While many roofing companies are legitimate and helpful, Florida is a hotbed for roofing scams, particularly in high-demand areas like Orlando.
Unfortunately, storm-chaser roofing fraud is real—and costly. Scammers prey on urgency, confusion, and the promise of insurance-covered work to trick homeowners into signing bad contracts or unnecessary claims.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your home.
⚠️ Common Florida Roofing Scams
- “Free Roof” Scams
- A roofer offers to replace your roof for free by filing a fraudulent insurance claim on your behalf. This could lead to denied claims, higher premiums, or even legal trouble.
- Storm-Chaser Crews
- Out-of-town companies set up shop after a hurricane, do subpar work (or disappear after a deposit), and leave homeowners with faulty roofs or no work done at all.
- High-Pressure Tactics
- Some contractors pressure you into signing a contract or “assignment of benefits” (AOB) form without fully explaining the terms—giving them full control over your insurance claim.
🔍 How to Vet a Roofing Contractor in Florida
Before hiring anyone, take these steps to make sure you’re working with a legitimate, local roofing company:
✅ Verify their Florida contractor’s license: Check with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
✅ Ask for proof of insurance: They must carry both general liability and workers’ compensation.
✅ Check local reviews and references: Look for recent reviews from your area—not just out-of-state work.
✅ Avoid cash-only deals or large upfront payments: Reputable contractors don’t ask for full payment before the work starts.
✅ Get everything in writing: This includes scope of work, timelines, materials, warranty, and total cost.
📜 Know Your Legal Rights Under Florida Law
Thanks to ongoing fraud concerns, Florida has specific laws to protect homeowners during roofing repairs and replacements:
- You cannot sign over your insurance claim rights (via Assignment of Benefits) without risk. Always review these forms carefully.
- Licensed contractors must provide a written estimate before starting work.
- You have a 10-day window to cancel most contracts signed after a state of emergency.
- Insurance fraud is a felony—never let a contractor submit a claim on your behalf without your knowledge or consent.
If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut—and call a reputable, local company.
🛡️ Work with a Trusted Roofing Partner
At The Best Roofs, we’re proud to serve homeowners across Orlando and Central Florida with honest, reliable roofing services. We’re locally licensed, fully insured, and committed to transparent communication—no pressure, no scams, and no shady tactics.
🎯 Call-to-Action
Don’t fall for a Florida roofing scam.
Get peace of mind with a free, honest roof inspection from the professionals at The Best Roofs.