Roofing Contractor Red Flags: 15 Warning Signs of a Scam

The roofing industry has a fraud problem, and Florida is ground zero. The combination of frequent storm damage, an aging housing stock, insurance pressure to replace roofs, and homeowners who are understandably anxious after a hurricane creates a perfect environment for scam artists.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Florida consistently leads the nation in roofing fraud complaints. Pinellas County, with its dense residential population and Gulf coast hurricane exposure, is a prime target for dishonest contractors who appear after storms and disappear before the warranty calls start.

This guide covers 15 specific red flags that indicate a roofing contractor may be fraudulent, incompetent, or operating outside the law. Recognizing even one of these signs should make you pause. Recognizing two or more should send you looking elsewhere. For guidance on finding legitimate contractors, see our companion guide onhow to choose a roofing contractor in Florida.

Red Flag Severity Guide

Not all red flags carry the same risk. Here is how to interpret the severity levels used throughout this guide:

Red Flag 1: Door-to-Door Solicitation After Storms

Severity: High Risk

Within hours of a hurricane, tropical storm, or severe thunderstorm passing through Pinellas County, contractors begin knocking on doors. They offer "free roof inspections" and express concern about the damage your home might have suffered. They are friendly, professional-looking, and carry impressive-looking business cards and brochures.

Here is the reality: legitimate local roofing contractors do not go door-to-door after storms. They are overwhelmed with calls from their existing customers, previous clients, and inbound referrals. They do not need to canvas neighborhoods looking for work. The contractors who knock on your door are overwhelmingly storm chasers, out-of-state operations that follow severe weather events, sign up as many homeowners as possible, collect deposits, and move on to the next disaster zone.

What to Do

• Politely decline and do not sign anything at the door.
• Take their business card if offered but make no commitments.
• If you need a roof inspection after a storm, contact a contractor you find through your own research, not one who finds you.
• Remember: Florida law gives you 3 business days to cancel any contract signed at your home under the Home Solicitation Sale Act. But it is better to avoid signing in the first place.

Red Flag 2: Demands a Large Deposit Upfront

Severity: High Risk

A contractor who demands 50% or more of the project cost before any work begins is either in financial distress (using your money to pay for someone else's job) or planning to take your money and disappear. Established roofing contractors have credit accounts with material suppliers and do not need your upfront payment to purchase materials.

What Legitimate Deposits Look Like

A reasonable payment structure for a Pinellas County roof replacement is: 10 to 20 percent at contract signing, a progress payment of 30 to 40 percent when materials are delivered and tear-off is complete, and the balance upon completion and passing the final building inspection.

Red Flag 3: No Written Contract or Vague Contract

Severity: High Risk

A contractor who proposes to do a $10,000 to $25,000 job on a handshake, a text message, or a one-paragraph "agreement" is either unprofessional or intentionally keeping things vague so they can change terms later. A proper roofing contract in Florida should be several pages long and cover every aspect of the project.

What a Vague Contract Looks Like

• "Re-roof house. Architectural shingles. $14,500." (No material brand, no scope detail, no payment schedule, no warranty, no license number)
• A handwritten estimate on a business card or scrap of paper
• A verbal agreement with "we will work out the details later"
• A one-page form with most fields left blank

What a Proper Contract Looks Like

• Contractor legal name, license number, physical address, and phone number
• Complete scope of work with specific materials (brand, product line, color, warranty tier)
• Itemized pricing or detailed total with payment schedule
• Start date and estimated completion date
• Permit responsibility clearly assigned to the contractor
• Labor warranty terms and manufacturer warranty registration commitment
• Change order process in writing
• 3-day right of cancellation notice as required by Florida law

If the contractor resists providing a detailed contract, they do not want to be held accountable. That is all you need to know.

Red Flag 4: No License Number on Business Materials

Severity: High Risk

Florida law requires licensed contractors to include their license number on all advertising, business cards, contracts, and proposals. A contractor whose business card, truck signage, website, and estimate do not display a CCC or CRC license number is either unlicensed or hiding their identity.

Check everywhere: the business card, the company website footer, the truck door, the estimate header, and the contract. If the license number is absent from all of these, verify whether they even have a license by searching the DBPR website by name. If they do have a license but do not display it, ask why. There may be a reason they do not want it easily found.

Red Flag 5: Pressure to Sign Immediately

Severity: High Risk

"This price is only good today." "We have one spot left in our schedule this month." "If you do not sign now, your insurance claim might be denied." "Material prices go up next week."

High-pressure sales tactics are designed to prevent you from doing exactly what you should do: taking time to compare estimates, verify licenses, check references, and make an informed decision. A legitimate contractor understands that a roof replacement is a major financial decision and gives you time to consider the proposal.

Legitimate Urgency vs. Manufactured Pressure

Red Flag 6: Offers to Waive or Pay Your Insurance Deductible

Severity: Critical (Illegal)

This is not just a red flag. It is a felony. Under Florida Statute 817.234, it is illegal for any contractor to knowingly waive, absorb, or offer to pay all or part of a homeowner's insurance deductible to obtain roofing work. This includes:

• Directly telling you "we will cover your deductible"
• Offering a "discount" equal to your deductible amount
• Inflating the insurance claim so that the payout covers the deductible
• Providing a "rebate" after the job is complete that equals your deductible
• Offering free upgrades, gift cards, or other incentives worth approximately the deductible amount

Why This Is a Felony

The insurance deductible exists to ensure that the homeowner has a financial stake in the claim, which reduces fraudulent claims. When a contractor eliminates that stake, it enables inflated claims. The contractor charges the insurance company more than the actual cost of the work to offset the deductible they are "waiving." This is insurance fraud, and both the contractor and the homeowner can face criminal charges.

What to Do If a Contractor Offers This

• Decline immediately.
• Do not hire this contractor for any reason.
• Report them to the Florida Department of Financial Services Insurance Fraud Division.
• Report them to the DBPR for potential license action.

Red Flag 7: Does Not Pull Building Permits

Severity: Critical (Illegal)

Every roof replacement in Pinellas County requires a building permit. Period. A contractor who says "we do not need a permit for this" or "permits are just a bureaucratic hassle" or "it will save you money if we skip the permit" is either unlicensed (they cannot pull a permit), cutting corners, or planning to do substandard work that would not pass inspection.

Consequences of Unpermitted Roof Work

• Code violations: Pinellas County can issue code violations and require the work to be redone to current standards.
• Insurance problems: Insurance carriers may deny claims related to unpermitted roof work. They may also use unpermitted work as grounds for policy cancellation.
• Selling your home: Title searches and buyer inspections frequently uncover unpermitted work. This can delay or kill a sale, or require expensive corrections before closing.
• No inspection: Without a permit, there is no independent verification that the work meets code. The contractor could cut every corner and you would not know until the roof fails.
• Warranty issues: Manufacturer warranties may be voided if the product was installed without required permits and inspections.

Always verify that a permit has been pulled before tear-off begins. You can check the Pinellas County building permit portal online. The permit should be in the contractor's name (not yours) and list your property address. For full details on the permit process, see our Florida roofing permit guide.

Red Flag 8: Asks You to File a False Insurance Claim

Severity: Critical (Illegal)

A contractor who wants to "help" you file an insurance claim may cross the line from assistance to fraud. Warning signs include:

• Telling you to claim storm damage when the damage is actually from age or neglect
• Suggesting you report damage to areas of the roof that are not actually damaged
• Coaching you on what to say to the insurance adjuster
• Creating or exaggerating damage to present to the insurance company (this does happen)
• Encouraging you to file a claim for damage that occurred before your current policy period

Filing a false insurance claim is fraud. You, the homeowner, are the one filing the claim. If the claim is found to be fraudulent, you face criminal prosecution, policy cancellation, and difficulty obtaining insurance in the future. The contractor who encouraged you to file the false claim will likely deny involvement.

If you have legitimate storm damage, file a legitimate claim. A good contractor will document the actual damage honestly and work with your insurance adjuster transparently. For guidance on the proper claims process, see ourroof insurance claim guide.

Red Flag 9: Uses Subcontractors Without Disclosure

Severity: Moderate Risk

Many roofing companies use subcontracted crews for installation. This is common in the industry and is not inherently problematic. The red flag is when a contractor does not disclose that they use subcontractors, because this creates several risks:

• Workers compensation gaps: If the subcontractor's workers are not covered by workers comp and someone is injured on your property, you may be liable.
• Quality control: The company that sold you the job may have no direct control over the crew doing the work. Quality standards may differ between the company's promises and the subcontractor's practices.
• Warranty complications: When you file a warranty claim, the roofing company may blame the subcontractor, and the subcontractor may have dissolved their business or moved on.
• Lien risk: If the general contractor does not pay the subcontractor, the subcontractor can place a lien on your property under Florida's construction lien law, even though you paid the general contractor in full.

What to Ask

• "Will your own employees be doing the installation, or will you use subcontractors?"
• If subcontractors: "Are they licensed? Do they carry their own workers comp insurance?"
• "Will you provide a lien waiver from the subcontractor at project completion?"

Red Flag 10: No Physical Business Address

Severity: High Risk

A roofing company without a physical office, warehouse, or yard that you can visit is a company that can disappear overnight. After storms, many fraudulent operations set up using only a cell phone number, a P.O. Box, and a temporary website.

How to Verify a Physical Address

• Search the company name on Google Maps. Is there a business listing at a real address?
• Check the Florida Sunbiz.org corporate records for the company's registered address.
• Drive by the address. Is it a real business location with signage, vehicles, or materials? Or is it a UPS Store mailbox, a virtual office, or a residential house with no visible business presence?
• Check how long the business has been at that address. A company that changes addresses frequently may be avoiding accountability.

A legitimate Pinellas County roofing contractor will typically have an office or yard with company trucks, material inventory, and signage. They will invite you to visit. A contractor who makes excuses about why you cannot see their facility is hiding something.

Red Flag 11: Provides an Unusually Low Estimate

Severity: Moderate Risk

If you get three estimates and one is 30% to 50% lower than the others, something is wrong. Either the low bidder is using inferior materials, planning to skip required steps, does not understand the scope, or is intentionally underbidding to get the job and then will add change orders once work begins.

Common Ways Low Bidders Cut Corners

• Lower-tier materials: Using basic 3-tab shingles instead of architectural shingles, or using an off-brand product instead of a major manufacturer.
• Skipping underlayment requirements: Using thinner or fewer layers of underlayment than required by Florida Building Code.
• Reusing existing flashing: Old flashing should be replaced during a re-roof, but reusing it saves the contractor time and material cost.
• Improper nailing: Using fewer nails per shingle than specified by the manufacturer and code. This saves labor time but reduces wind resistance.
• No permit: Skipping the permit saves the permit fee and allows the contractor to avoid inspections that might catch their shortcuts.
• Inadequate cleanup: Cutting cleanup short saves labor hours. You end up with roofing nails in your yard, driveway, and landscaping.

For reference on what a roof replacement should actually cost in Pinellas County, see ourroof replacement cost guide for Florida. Understanding the typical price range helps you identify outlier estimates in either direction.

Red Flag 12: Cannot or Will Not Provide References

Severity: High Risk

Any contractor who has been operating in Pinellas County for more than a year should be able to provide multiple references from recent local jobs. If they cannot or will not, the reason is almost always one of the following:

• They are new to the area (storm chaser)
• Their previous customers are unhappy
• They have not actually completed many jobs in this market
• The "company" is a one-person operation using a corporate-sounding name

How to Use References Effectively

When you call references, ask these specific questions:

• When was your roof completed? (Confirm recency)
• Was the work finished on time or close to the original estimate?
• Were there any unexpected charges or change orders?
• How was the cleanup? Did they leave your property clean?
• Did the final building inspection pass without issues?
• Have you had any problems with the roof since installation?
• Would you hire this contractor again?

If a reference hesitates on any of these questions, dig deeper. If the contractor provides references but the phone numbers go to voicemail or are disconnected, treat that as an additional red flag.

Red Flag 13: Demands Cash-Only Payment

Severity: Critical (Potential Fraud)

A contractor who insists on cash payment is almost certainly trying to avoid a paper trail. Legitimate businesses accept checks, credit cards, or electronic transfers. These payment methods create documentation that protects both parties.

Why Cash-Only Is Dangerous

• No proof of payment: If the contractor claims you did not pay, you have no bank record to prove otherwise.
• No chargeback ability: If you pay by credit card and the contractor does not perform, you can dispute the charge. Cash offers no such protection.
• Tax evasion indicator: Cash-only businesses are often avoiding tax reporting, which suggests a general pattern of operating outside the law.
• Cannot verify the payment went to the company: Cash paid to an individual may not reach the company, especially if the person collecting is a sales representative or subcontractor.

Always pay by check made out to the company name (not an individual) or by credit card. Keep all receipts and cancelled checks. If a contractor will not accept anything but cash, find another contractor.

Red Flag 14: No Mention of Building Inspections

Severity: Moderate to High Risk

A permitted roof replacement in Pinellas County requires at least one building inspection (and often two: a mid-point inspection before the roofing material goes on, and a final inspection after completion). A contractor who does not mention inspections, or who says "we will handle that later" without specifics, may not be planning to get the work properly permitted or inspected.

What Proper Inspection Looks Like

• The contractor pulls the permit before work begins.
• After tear-off and before new material installation, the contractor calls for the dry-in inspection (if required by the specific permit). The inspector verifies underlayment installation, decking condition, and flashing.
• After installation is complete, the contractor calls for the final inspection. The inspector verifies the entire installation meets code.
• The contractor provides you with the passing inspection results and the closed permit.

You should independently verify the inspection results through the Pinellas County online permit portal. A passed final inspection is your assurance that the work meets current building code.

Red Flag 15: Company Name Does Not Match License or Business Records

Severity: High Risk

When you verify a license on the DBPR website and check the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz.org) records, the names should all match. If the contractor presents themselves as "Pinellas Premier Roofing" but the license is under "Smith Roofing LLC" and the Sunbiz registration shows "Gulf Coast Construction Inc," something is off.

Why Name Mismatches Are Concerning

• License sharing: An unlicensed individual may be using someone else's license number. This is illegal in Florida.
• Doing business under a fictitious name to avoid reputation: A company with bad reviews under one name may rebrand to shed the negative history while keeping the same people and practices.
• Multiple entities to limit liability: While having a DBA (Doing Business As) is legal and common, a contractor who cannot clearly explain the relationship between their operating name and their licensed entity may be trying to make it harder for you to hold them accountable.

Always confirm that the name on the contract, the name on the license, and the name on the business registration are the same entity or have a clearly documented DBA relationship.

Florida-Specific Scam Patterns After Hurricane Season

Pinellas County's location on Florida's Gulf coast makes it vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. After every significant storm event, roofing scam activity spikes dramatically. Understanding the patterns helps you avoid becoming a victim.

The Post-Storm Scam Timeline

Protecting Yourself After a Storm

• Do not make decisions in the immediate aftermath. Unless your roof has a hole that is actively allowing rain into your home, you have time to make a careful decision. Tarping a damaged area is a valid short-term measure.
• Contact your insurance company first. File a claim and let the adjuster inspect the damage before committing to a contractor. The adjuster's assessment creates an independent record of the damage.
• Use the same vetting process you would use for any contractor. License verification, insurance verification, references, written estimates, detailed contracts. Storm urgency does not change the fundamentals.
• Be skeptical of contractors who "happen to be in the neighborhood." They may have driven hundreds of miles to get to your neighborhood.
• Do not sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB). Florida's 2022 insurance reform significantly restricted AOB in property insurance claims. An AOB transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor, which can lead to inflated claims, litigation, and loss of control over your own claim.

For guidance on handling hurricane damage to your roof, see our hurricane roof damage guide and our roof insurance claim guide.

What to Do If You Have Already Been Scammed

If you have hired a contractor who has displayed one or more of these red flags and the situation has gone wrong, here are your options:

Immediate Steps

• Stop all payments. Do not make any additional payments to the contractor until the situation is resolved.
• Document everything. Photograph the work done (or not done), gather all contracts, receipts, communications (texts, emails), and notes from conversations. Create a timeline of events.
• Protect your home. If the roof is in a compromised state (partially torn off, no underlayment), hire a different licensed contractor to tarp or stabilize the roof to prevent water damage.

Filing Complaints

• DBPR Complaint: File a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation if the contractor is licensed. The DBPR can discipline the contractor, revoke their license, and in some cases access the Florida Recovery Fund to compensate homeowners (up to $25,000 per claimant).
• Local Law Enforcement: If the contractor has committed fraud (took money and did not perform work, filed a false insurance claim), file a police report with your local Pinellas County law enforcement agency.
• Florida Attorney General: File a consumer complaint with the Florida Attorney General's Office. They track complaint patterns and may pursue action against repeat offenders.
• BBB Complaint: File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. While the BBB has no enforcement power, the complaint becomes part of the contractor's public record.
• Florida Department of Financial Services: If the scam involved insurance fraud (false claims, deductible waiver), report it to the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services.

Legal Options

• Demand letter: Send a written demand letter to the contractor via certified mail, stating the issue and the resolution you expect, with a deadline.
• Mediation: Many contracts include a mediation clause. Even without one, mediation is a less expensive alternative to litigation.
• Small claims court: For disputes under $8,000, Florida small claims court is a relatively quick and affordable option.
• Civil lawsuit: For larger amounts, consult with a construction law attorney. Many offer free initial consultations.
• Florida Recovery Fund: If the contractor is licensed and you cannot collect a judgment, you may be eligible for compensation from the Florida Construction Industries Recovery Fund.

Red Flag Quick Reference Checklist

Print this checklist and use it when evaluating any roofing contractor:

Scoring: Any single "Critical" red flag means do not hire and report the contractor. Two or more "High Risk" flags means do not hire. Any single "High Risk" or "Moderate Risk" flag means investigate thoroughly before proceeding.

Resources for Pinellas County Homeowners

• DBPR License Verification: myfloridalicense.com
• Florida Sunbiz (Business Registration): sunbiz.org
• Pinellas County Building Permits: Pinellas County online permit portal
• BBB of West Florida: bbb.org
• Florida Attorney General Consumer Complaints: myfloridalegal.com
• Florida Dept of Financial Services (Insurance Fraud): myfloridacfo.com

For a positive approach to finding the right contractor, see our comprehensive guide onhow to choose a roofing contractor in Florida. For understanding what a fair roof replacement should cost, review our Florida roof replacement cost guide and our roofing estimate guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal for a roofing contractor to waive my insurance deductible in Florida?

Yes. Under Florida Statute 817.234, it is a felony for any contractor to knowingly waive, absorb, or offer to pay all or part of a homeowner's insurance deductible as an incentive to obtain roofing work. This applies to any method of offsetting the deductible, including direct payment, rebates, credits, discounts, or inflating the insurance claim to cover the deductible amount. Both the contractor and the homeowner can face legal consequences.

What should I do if a roofing contractor comes to my door after a storm?

Do not sign anything at the door. Take their business card if you want, but make no commitments. After they leave, verify their Florida roofing license on the DBPR website at myfloridalicense.com. Check for a local physical address. Read online reviews. Get at least 2 additional estimates from contractors you find through your own research. Legitimate local contractors typically do not go door-to-door after storms because they are already overwhelmed with work from existing customers and referrals.

What happens if I hire an unlicensed roofing contractor in Florida?

Hiring an unlicensed contractor puts you at significant risk. The work cannot be properly permitted or inspected by the building department. You have no recourse through the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board if the work is defective. Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims related to improperly installed roofing. The work may need to be completely redone by a licensed contractor to pass code inspection. You may also face difficulty selling your home if unpermitted roof work is discovered during a title search or buyer inspection.

How do roofing scams typically work in Florida after hurricanes?

The most common pattern involves a contractor appearing at your door within days of a storm, offering a free roof inspection, then claiming to find extensive damage (whether real or exaggerated). They pressure you to sign a contract and collect a large deposit immediately, citing urgency and limited availability. From there, the scam takes one of several paths: the contractor collects deposits from many homeowners and disappears, performs substandard work using cheap materials, inflates the insurance claim and pockets the difference, or does partial work and demands additional payment to finish.

Can a roofing contractor put a lien on my house in Florida?

Yes. Florida's construction lien law (Chapter 713, Florida Statutes) allows contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers to place a lien on your property if they are not paid for work or materials provided. This is why final lien waivers are critical. When you make your final payment, get a signed lien waiver from the contractor. If they used subcontractors or suppliers, get lien waivers from those parties as well. Working with licensed, insured, and well-established contractors reduces this risk significantly.

What recourse do I have if a roofing contractor does bad work in Florida?

If the contractor is licensed, file a complaint with the Florida DBPR, which can discipline the contractor, revoke their license, and in some cases provide compensation through the Florida Recovery Fund (up to $25,000 per claimant). Additional options include BBB complaints, online reviews documenting your experience, mediation, small claims court (for disputes under $8,000), or civil litigation for larger amounts. If the contractor committed outright fraud, file a police report and a complaint with the Florida Attorney General. If the contractor is unlicensed, your options are limited to civil court, which is one of the most important reasons to verify licensing before you hire anyone.