Choosing a roofing company in Pinellas County is one of the most important decisions you will make as a homeowner. A new roof is a $10,000 to $30,000 investment, and the quality of the installation matters just as much as the materials you choose. A great roof installed by a careless crew will fail sooner than a good roof installed by skilled professionals.
Pinellas County has hundreds of roofing companies competing for your business, and after every hurricane season, dozens more appear overnight. Some are excellent local businesses with decades of experience. Others are storm chasers who will take your money and disappear before the first leak shows up.
This guide gives you the tools to tell the difference. Whether you are in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, or anywhere across Pinellas County, follow these steps to find a roofing contractor you can trust with your home and your money.
What Makes a Good Roofing Company in Pinellas County
Before looking at specific companies, understand what separates a good roofing contractor from an average or bad one. The best roofing companies in Pinellas County share these characteristics:
1. Proper Florida Roofing License
Florida law requires anyone performing roofing work to hold a valid roofing contractor license. There are two types of Florida roofing licenses, and both are valid for work in Pinellas County:
| License Type | CCC (Certified) | CRC (Registered) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Statewide (all 67 Florida counties) | County-specific (registered county only) |
| Exam | State-level exam (more rigorous) | County-level or state exam |
| Experience Required | Minimum 3 years verifiable | Varies by county |
| Issued By | Florida DBPR (state level) | Local jurisdiction via DBPR |
| Continuing Education | 14 hours per renewal cycle | 14 hours per renewal cycle |
A CCC license is generally considered the higher credential because it requires passing the more comprehensive state-level exam and allows the contractor to work anywhere in Florida. However, a CRC-licensed contractor who is registered in Pinellas County is equally legal and may be just as skilled. What matters most is that the license is active and in good standing.
2. Adequate Insurance Coverage
A legitimate roofing company must carry at least two types of insurance:
- General liability insurance: Protects your property if the roofing crew damages your home, landscaping, or belongings during the project. Look for a minimum of $1 million per occurrence.
- Workers compensation insurance: Covers the roofing crew if someone is injured on your property. Without this, you could be liable for medical bills if a roofer falls off your roof. Florida law requires workers comp for roofing companies with one or more employees.
Ask for a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) and verify it is valid. Do not accept expired certificates or verbal assurances. Call the insurance company listed on the certificate to confirm coverage is active.
3. Established Local Presence
The best roofing companies in Pinellas County have deep roots in the community. They have a physical office address (not just a P.O. box), a history of local projects, and a reputation they have built over years. Local companies are more accountable because they cannot simply pack up and leave when problems arise. They live in the same community as their customers.
4. Strong Reviews Across Multiple Platforms
Look for consistent positive reviews across Google, Angi, the Better Business Bureau, and other platforms. No company has perfect reviews, but you want to see a pattern of satisfied customers and professional, constructive responses to any negative feedback.
5. Meaningful Warranty Coverage
Every roofing company should offer a workmanship warranty that covers their labor and installation quality, separate from the manufacturer's material warranty. The best Pinellas County roofing companies offer workmanship warranties of 10 years or more because they stand behind their installation quality.
Red Flags: Warning Signs of a Bad Roofing Company
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to look for. Watch out for these warning signs that indicate a roofing company may not be trustworthy:
Demands Full Payment Upfront
Florida Statute 489.126 limits roofing contractor deposits to 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less, for contracts exceeding $1,000. Any company demanding more than this before work begins is either ignorant of the law or deliberately breaking it.
No Written Contract
A legitimate roofing company always provides a detailed written contract before starting work. The contract should specify materials, scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms, and permit responsibilities. Verbal agreements are worthless when a dispute arises.
Offers to Waive Your Insurance Deductible
In Florida, it is illegal (Florida Statute 817.234) for a contractor to offer to pay or waive your insurance deductible as an incentive to hire them. This is considered insurance fraud. Any company making this offer is willing to break the law to get your business.
Pressure to Sign Immediately
High-pressure sales tactics (such as "this price is only good today" or "we have one opening left this week") are a hallmark of predatory contractors. A reputable company will give you time to review their proposal and get competing quotes. Be especially cautious of aggressive roofing sales tactics after storms.
Will Not Pull Permits
Roofing work in Pinellas County requires building permits. If a contractor suggests skipping the permit to "save you money," walk away. Unpermitted work can void your insurance coverage, create problems when selling your home, and result in fines from code enforcement.
No Physical Address or Out-of-Area
Storm chasers from out of state often set up temporary operations in Pinellas County after hurricanes. They use P.O. boxes, hotel addresses, or just a cell phone number. When problems arise months later, they are impossible to reach.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer
When meeting with potential roofing contractors for your Pinellas County project, ask these questions and pay attention to how they respond:
Licensing and Insurance
- "What is your Florida roofing license number, and is it a CCC or CRC?"
- "Can I see your current certificate of insurance for both general liability and workers compensation?"
- "Are you registered with Pinellas County to perform construction work?"
Project Specifics
- "Will you pull the building permit, and is the permit cost included in your quote?"
- "Who will be the on-site supervisor, and will they be here every day?"
- "How do you handle unexpected problems like rotted decking or structural damage?"
- "What is your plan if weather delays the project?"
- "How do you protect my landscaping, driveway, and property during the work?"
Materials and Warranties
- "What specific materials are included in this quote (brand, model, specification)?"
- "Do you hold any manufacturer certifications (such as GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum)?"
- "What workmanship warranty do you provide, and what does it cover?"
- "What ventilation improvements do you recommend for my attic?"
References and Track Record
- "Can you provide 3 to 5 references from Pinellas County projects completed in the past 12 months?"
- "Do you have any projects nearby that I can drive by to see your work?"
- "How long have you been operating specifically in Pinellas County?"
Getting Multiple Quotes: How to Compare Apples to Apples
Getting at least three quotes is essential, but comparing them accurately requires making sure each contractor is bidding on the same scope of work. Here is how to ensure a fair comparison:
What Every Quote Should Include
- Complete tear-off of existing roofing (or specify if it is an overlay)
- Disposal and cleanup of old materials
- Roof decking inspection and repair or replacement (specify cost per sheet if additional)
- Underlayment type and specification (self-adhering modified bitumen per Florida code)
- Roofing material brand, product line, color, and specification
- Flashing materials and details (drip edge, valleys, pipe boots, wall flashing)
- Ventilation components and their NFA ratings
- Building permit and inspection costs
- Timeline and estimated completion date
- Payment schedule and terms
- Workmanship warranty terms
- Manufacturer warranty details
Understanding Price Differences
- If one quote is significantly lower than the others: Be cautious. The low bidder may be cutting corners on materials, using uninsured subcontractors, skipping proper underlayment, or planning to submit a lowball bid and make up the difference with change orders.
- If one quote is significantly higher than the others: Ask why. The higher-priced contractor may be including premium materials, additional ventilation, or more comprehensive warranty coverage that the others are not.
- If quotes are clustered closely together: This is a good sign. It means you are getting a realistic market price for your project, and you can focus on factors like reputation, warranty, and communication quality.
How to Verify a Florida Roofing License on DBPR
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) maintains a public database where you can verify any contractor's license status. This takes less than five minutes:
- Go to myfloridalicense.com
- Click on "Verify a License" or use the "License Search" tool
- Enter the contractor's name or license number
- Select "Construction" as the license type and "Roofing Contractor" as the category
- Review the results, checking for:
- License status: Should say "Current, Active"
- License type: CCC (Certified) or CRC (Registered)
- Disciplinary actions: Check for any complaints, fines, or suspensions
- Business name: Should match the company that gave you the quote
If the license shows as "Delinquent," "Suspended," or "Revoked," do not hire that contractor regardless of their explanation. You can also call DBPR directly at 850-487-1395 if you need help verifying a license or want to file a complaint.
Google Reviews vs. Angi vs. BBB: Which to Trust
Online reviews are a valuable tool for evaluating roofing companies, but each platform has different strengths and weaknesses:
| Platform | Strengths | Weaknesses | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Reviews | Largest review volume, free, easy to access | Vulnerable to fake reviews, no customer verification | 100+ reviews, 4.5+ rating, detailed written reviews |
| Angi | Verified reviews from actual customers | Pay-to-play for contractors, smaller review pool | Project cost included, specific work details |
| BBB | Tracks complaint resolution, long business history | Rating based on complaint handling (not quality) | Complaint history, years in business |
How to Spot Fake Reviews
- Multiple five-star reviews posted on the same day or within a few days
- Reviewers who have only reviewed one business and have no other review history
- Generic language that could apply to any business ("Great service, very professional, would recommend")
- No specific details about the project (material type, location, timeline)
- Reviews that sound very similar in wording or structure
What Really Matters in Reviews
- How the company handles problems: Every company will have some negative reviews. What matters is whether they acknowledge the issue and offer to make it right, or get defensive and blame the customer.
- Consistency across platforms: A company with 4.8 stars on Google but an F from the BBB deserves closer scrutiny. Look for a consistent story across all platforms.
- Recency of reviews: A company that had great reviews five years ago but nothing positive recently may have changed ownership, lost key staff, or lowered their standards.
- Specific details in positive reviews: The best reviews mention the type of work performed, the crew's professionalism, communication quality, adherence to timeline, and post-project cleanup.
Manufacturer Certifications: What They Mean for You
Many roofing material manufacturers offer certification programs for contractors who meet specific training and installation quality standards. These certifications are worth paying attention to because they often unlock enhanced warranty coverage for homeowners:
- GAF Master Elite: Only about 2% of roofing contractors nationwide qualify for this top-tier GAF certification. It requires the contractor to be licensed, adequately insured, and to have a proven reputation. Master Elite contractors can offer GAF's best warranties, including the Golden Pledge limited warranty.
- Owens Corning Platinum Preferred: Similar to GAF Master Elite, this certification requires ongoing training, financial stability, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. It enables the contractor to offer Owens Corning's highest warranty tiers.
- CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster: CertainTeed's premium contractor program with enhanced warranty options and ongoing education requirements.
- Metal roofing certifications: For metal roofing like Galvalume, look for contractors certified by specific panel manufacturers such as ATAS International, McElroy Metal, or MBCI.
A manufacturer certification does not guarantee a perfect installation, but it does indicate that the contractor has invested in training, meets ongoing quality standards, and has the backing of a major material manufacturer. For Pinellas County homeowners, a manufacturer-certified contractor typically provides better warranty coverage and more consistent installation quality.
The Complete Hiring Process: From Research to Contract
Here is a step-by-step process for hiring a roofing company in Pinellas County that protects your interests at every stage:
- Research (1 to 2 weeks): Identify 5 to 8 potential companies through online reviews, neighbor recommendations, and local industry associations. Check each one on the DBPR website to verify active licensing.
- Request estimates (1 week): Contact your top 3 to 4 companies and schedule in-person inspections and estimates. Insist on a roof and attic inspection, not just a satellite measurement.
- Compare and verify (1 week): Review each written estimate line by line. Call references. Verify insurance certificates. Visit a recent project if possible.
- Ask follow-up questions: Before making your decision, ask each finalist to clarify anything that is vague or missing from their estimate. How they respond to your questions tells you a lot about how they will communicate during the project.
- Review the contract carefully: Before signing, read every line of the contract. Ensure it includes all the items discussed during the estimate, a clear payment schedule, start and completion dates, material specifications, and warranty terms.
- Verify the permit: After signing, confirm that the contractor pulls the building permit before work begins. You can verify permits through the Pinellas County Building Department online portal.
- Document everything: Take photos of your property before work begins. Keep copies of all communications, the contract, payment receipts, and warranty documents.
Payment Best Practices for Roofing Projects
How you structure payments protects you throughout the roofing project. Follow these guidelines:
- Deposit: No more than 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) per Florida law. This should be payable only after you have a signed contract and the permit has been pulled.
- Progress payment: Some contracts include a progress payment when materials are delivered or when a specific milestone is reached (such as tear-off complete and decking repaired). This is reasonable as long as it does not exceed the value of work completed.
- Final payment: Do not make the final payment until the work passes the Pinellas County building inspection, you have conducted your own walkthrough with the project supervisor, and any punch list items have been addressed.
- Payment method: Pay by check or credit card, never cash. You want a paper trail for every payment. Credit cards offer additional consumer protection if a dispute arises.
- Lien waiver: Request a final lien waiver (also called a release of lien) upon final payment. This protects you from subcontractors or material suppliers filing liens against your property if the roofing company fails to pay them.
After the Project: Protecting Your Investment
Once your new roof is installed, take these steps to protect your investment:
- File your warranty registration: Most manufacturer warranties require registration within a specific timeframe (often 30 to 60 days). Your contractor should handle this, but verify it has been done.
- Keep all documentation: Store your contract, warranty certificates, permit records, and inspection reports in a safe place. You will need these if you ever file an insurance claim or sell your home.
- Schedule annual inspections: Have your roof inspected annually, ideally before hurricane season begins in June. Many roofing companies offer free or low-cost annual inspections for past customers.
- Update your insurance: Contact your homeowner's insurance company to report the new roof. A new roof, especially a wind-rated metal or impact-resistant shingle roof, may qualify you for significant premium discounts in Florida.
- Leave a review: If the company did a good job, leave an honest review. Your feedback helps other Pinellas County homeowners find quality contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a CCC and CRC roofing license in Florida?
A CCC (Certified Roofing Contractor) license is a statewide license that allows the contractor to work anywhere in Florida. A CRC (Registered Roofing Contractor) license is a county-specific license that only permits work within the county where it was issued. Both require passing an exam and meeting experience requirements, but a CCC is considered the higher credential. For Pinellas County work, either license is valid as long as the CRC is registered in Pinellas County.
How do I verify a roofing contractor license in Florida?
Visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website at myfloridalicense.com and use the license verification tool. Enter the contractor name or license number to confirm the license is active, check for any disciplinary actions, and verify the license type (CCC or CRC). You can also call DBPR directly at 850-487-1395.
How many roofing quotes should I get in Pinellas County?
Get at least three written quotes from different licensed roofing contractors in Pinellas County. This gives you a baseline for pricing, allows you to compare materials and warranties, and helps identify outliers. Make sure each quote covers the same scope of work for an accurate comparison.
What are red flags when hiring a roofing company?
Major red flags include: demanding full payment upfront (Florida law limits deposits to 10% or $1,000, whichever is less for contracts over $1,000), no written contract, no proof of insurance, pressure to sign immediately, no physical business address, offering to waive your insurance deductible (insurance fraud in Florida), and unwillingness to pull building permits.
Should I trust Google reviews, Angi, or BBB ratings?
Use all three but understand their limitations. Google reviews offer the largest sample size but can include fake reviews. Angi verifies that reviewers actually used the service but charges contractors for leads. The BBB rates complaint resolution rather than quality of work. Look for consistency across platforms and pay attention to how companies respond to negative reviews. A pattern of similar complaints across platforms is more telling than any single rating.
What questions should I ask a roofing contractor before hiring them?
Essential questions include: What is your Florida roofing license number? Can I see your certificate of insurance? Will you pull the building permit? Who will be the on-site supervisor? What manufacturer certifications do you hold? What warranty do you offer on labor? How do you handle change orders? Can you provide local references from the past 12 months?
Choose Wisely: Your Roof Depends on It
The best roofing company in Pinellas County is not necessarily the cheapest or the one with the flashiest website. It is the one that is properly licensed, adequately insured, deeply rooted in the local community, and committed to quality workmanship backed by a meaningful warranty.
Take the time to do your research. Verify licenses on the DBPR website. Read reviews across multiple platforms. Get at least three written quotes and compare them carefully. Ask tough questions and pay attention to how each company responds.
Your roof protects everything underneath it. The company you choose to install or repair it will determine how well it performs for decades to come. Make that choice carefully, and your Pinellas County home will be well protected for years ahead.